Learning objectives
Supporting with CT technology the anthropological investigation on the skeleton of Saint Zeno,
bishop of Verona and patron of the city,
by providing tri-dimensional data to be used for computer based facial reconstruction and additional information on the physio-pathological conditions of the man at death.
To obtain 3D data through MDCT scan of the skull,
which was primarily used to produce a stereolithographic model to allow for easier and safer handling in view of the facial reconstruction.
In addition,
the CT scan was also used...
Background
During the anniversary marking 1650 years since Saint Zeno became the bishop of Verona,
the skull of the patron of the city,
retrieved from San Zeno Abbey,
was showed to the community through a pilgrimage on the churches of the city.
Oral tradition about the patron reports about a far origin of the bishop which should be born in Mauritania.
He should be dead at adult age and,
in his past history he should had an injury on his skull.
First of all,
the community...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
The CT scan was obtained by positioning the skull on the table with an high resolution protocol.
The axial scan was analyzed and,
then,
reconstructed with 3D-volume rendering technique (Fig.1).
The CT scan data pointed out a caucasic origin of the bishop,
which is in agreement with an oral tradition reporting him as born in Northern Africa.
The analysis of the ectocranial suture,
showing an almost complete fusion,
indicated a biological age >50 (Fig.2).
No pathological evidences were observed,
being a minor traumatic damage of...
Conclusion
MDCT scan can help greatly the forensic investigation on bone relics,
even in the total absence of soft tissues,
for the process of facial reconstruction and for the more general investigation of the physio-pathology of the subject.
References
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Vanezis M,
Vanezis P.
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