The antiquity of hydrocephalus: the first full palaeo-neuropathological description

3D facial approximation and endocast analysis of the Mummy of Minirdis (Ancient Egypt, ca. 2,300 Before Present)

The present article offers the facial approximation of the mummy of the ancient Egyptian adolescent named Minirdis (ca. 2300 years BP) by means of anatomical analysis of video-images and through a facial approximation protocol implemented on more historical personages. An evaluation of the mummy's endocast is also offered. A potential diagnosis of Sotos syndrome is cautiously considered but its inherent limitations are detailed. Finally, the methodology is presented as a valuable tool both for bio-historical research and for further studies on normal and pathologic morphologies of the cranio-facial district.

Ecce Homo: Moving past labels to lives

OBJECTIVES

We report a contemporary individual who died with advanced holoprosencephaly (HPE) to encourage recognition of rare diseases (RDs), especially congenital conditions in archaeological samples. We also explore the range of conditions associated with hydrocephalus in support of nuanced interpretations of this disease.

MATERIALS

The skeleton of a 17-year-old male who died with clinically diagnosed HPE, along with an age and sex matched comparative sample of 6 individuals who suffered accidental death and who were normal.

METHODS

We observed and measured all remains using standard osteological methods. The clinical records for Ecce Homo were scrutinized; his family was interviewed, and his skull was X-rayed.

RESULTS

The morphology and morphometry of Ecce Homo's skeleton display irregularities along the cranial midline and the postcranial skeleton consistent with anomalies derived from HPE as well as related congenital disorders and physical anomalies.

CONCLUSIONS

We have reported HPE here and developed a differential diagnosis with closely related conditions. Likewise we relate the information generated in the clinical history and interviews with the family of Ecce Homo to facilitate an understanding of the social context.

SIGNIFICANCE

This case is exceptional in providing information from the life context of a contemporary individual who suffered from a rare disease (HPE), with skeletal remains could be studied extensively. The differential diagnosis is useful in identifying HPE and other closely related conditions.

LIMITATIONS

This is a single example with clinical intervention.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Future osteological research should occur on other cases of HPE; molecular studies may offer further clarity.

Voices from the past: results of the ESP history of pathology working group survey on pathology museums

While keeping their original purpose of training medical students, pathology museums hold great biological value, offering unique specimens for scientific research through modern radiological, pathological and biomolecular techniques. Moreover, the artefacts, models and drawings displayed in these museums are a precious cultural and artistic heritage. Preservation of the anatomical samples and maintenance of the facilities are neither easy nor inexpensive and call for patronage. The development of a European Pathology Museum Network would undoubtedly facilitate study, access and divulgation of antique pathology collections. Data from a survey conducted by the European Society of Pathology (ESP) History of Pathology Working Group have allowed creation of a comprehensive, multifaceted portrait of European university museums, reflecting their history, diversity, geography, institutional status, stakeholders, projects, professionals, audiences, policies and best practices.