The Royal Princess Anna Vasa. Historical note and radiological examination of her skeleton

Acta Radiol. 1996 Mar;37(2):124-7, 123. doi: 10.1177/02841851960371P126.

Abstract

Radiological findings on the skeleton of the Royal Princess Anna Vasa are presented. Anna Vasa (1568-1625) was the sister of Sigismund Vasa, who reigned as Sigismund III, king of Sweden and Poland. She was born in Sweden but spent most of her life in Poland. Her skeleton was removed from the tomb in Toruń during restoration work at St. Mary's Church in April 1994. It was then subjected to anthropological and radiological examinations (conventional radiography and CT). The studies revealed a number of anatomical deviations and pathological abnormalities; e.g. basilar impression and congenital anomalies of the spine. These findings can explain many of the complaints troubling Anna Vasa during her lifetime. A fragmentary historical outline and biography of Anna Vasa and Sigismund III are also presented.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / history
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • History, 16th Century
  • History, 17th Century
  • Humans
  • Poland
  • Radiography
  • Skeleton
  • Spinal Dysraphism / history
  • Sweden

Personal name as subject

  • None Princess Vasa