Forensic Analysis Reveals Acute Decompensation of Chronic Heart Failure in a 3500-Year-Old Egyptian Dignitary
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Raffaella Bianucci [3] ; Robert D. Loynes [1] ; Linda Sutherland [4] ; Rudy Lallo [5] ; Gemma L. Kay [2] ; Philippe Froesch [6] ; Mark J. Pallen [2] ; Philippe Charlier [6] ; Andreas G. Nerlich [7]
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[1] University of Manchester
University of Manchester
Reino Unido
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[2] University of Warwick
University of Warwick
Reino Unido
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[3] University of Turin
University of Turin
Torino, Italia
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[4] Newport Diagnostic Center
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[5] Clinica Pinna Pintor Turin Italy
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[6] Section of Medical and Forensic Anthropology (UVSQ & Paris 5 University EA 4569) France
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[7] Institute of Pathology Klinikum München‐Bogenhausen Munich Germany
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- Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 61, Nº. 5, 2016, págs. 1378-1381
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
Naturally preserved and embalmed bodies from archeological contexts represent a powerful source of information for forensic investigators. They allow one to ascertain pathology, cause of death, to enhance diagnostic methodology, and to improve the analysis of altered remains. We investigated the complete head and lung remnants of a 3,500-year-old Egyptian dignitary by radiological, microscopic, and genetic approaches. The individual, a middle-aged male, suffered from severe periodontitis, mild atherosclerosis, and experienced cardiogenic pulmonary insufficiency with recurrent mini-bleeds and pulmonary edema. Histology and ancient DNA analyses excluded the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or of any other pathogenic species. Based on our collection of evidence, we propose that acute decompensation complicating chronic cardiac insufficiency was the likely cause of death. The underlying causes for this failure remain unknown although chronic hypertension appears to be the most likely candidate. Our finding represents the earliest reported case of chronic heart failure in ancient mummies
