Learning objectives
The virtual autopsy (virtopsy) examination is growing area of interdisciplinary medicine providing a non-invasive post-mortem examination. The non-invasive examination of a Buddha has not been previously reported in the literature and use of this technology is an untapped resource for physicians,
museum curators,
and forensic scientists. Herein we report the findings of a 17th century Choson Dynasty era Bodhisattva imaged using a multi-slice detector scanner with images reconstructed for a virtual external and internal examination.
Background
A representative of the Samuel P.
Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida contacted our radiology department to scan a 17th century Choson Dynasty era (1392-1910) gilt wood seated Bodhisattva (enlightened being). The museum assumed the base was hollow as suspected by the construction and weight but desired a detailed evaluation - as has been done with other ancient beings.1
Findings and procedure details
The statue was imaged with a virtopsy protocol using 40 mA and exposure of 500 ms and a 64 x 0.5 mm multi-slice detector scanner (Toshiba,
Tochigi-ken,
Japan) with 120 kV and a FOV of 500 mm2.
These images were sent to the PACS and loaded for post processing on an independent workstation (Vitrea fx 2.0.1,
Vital Images,
Minnetonka,
MN,
USA). The original axial slices,
3-D volume surface rendered images and multi-planar reconstructions (MPR) were reviewed by an attending and fellow radiologist.
As the CT...
Conclusion
This is the first study to non-invasively examine the interior of a Buddha using the post processing virtopsy technique allowing detailed analysis of the internal structures. Following the examination,
the hair knot was pulled out and paper was removed from the head. On further analysis,
the paper was part of Buddhist text known as the Lotus Sutra. The translation of the text states that ‘the attainment of Buddha wisdom is a bliss-bestowing treasure that transcends seeing all as merely empty.’
References
1.Jackowski C,
Bolliger S,
Thali MJ.
Common and unexpected findings in mummies from ancient Egypt and South America as revealed by CT.
Radiographics.2008;28:1477-1492
2.Dirnhofer R,
Jackowski C,
Vock P,
Potter K,
Thali MJ.
VIRTOPSY: minimally invasive,
imaging-guided virtual autopsy.
Radiographics.2006;26:1305-1333