One in a thousand: A challenging palaeopathological diagnosis of a lumbar vertebra found amongst commingled remains from Carmo (Porto, Portugal).

Description

Abstract (English)

This research describes and discusses bone changes observed in a disarticulated adult lumbar vertebra, recovered in one of the multiple assemblages of commingled remains identified in the hospital cemetery of the Third Order of Our Lady of Carmo, which operated between 1801 and 1869. Bone lesions are described in detail through macroscopic observation and multiscale X-ray nano-CT. The lower surface and lateral aspects of the vertebral body show multiple destructive foci with well-defined contours, including a “cavity” that measures approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. The formation of osteophytes, especially on the left side, along with new bone is also observable. The changes are compatible with a probable case of vertebral tuberculosis. Malignant tumours were ruled out through the differential diagnosis, one cannot completely exclude pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, as it may cause similar erosive foci. This case clearly demonstrates that disarticulated human remains originating from secondary deposition should not be excluded from palaeopathological studies. They can provide important information about the health status of populations. The inability of analysing the distribution pattern of lesions throughout the skeleton was the biggest limitation to a more accurate diagnosis. Future research, contextualising and complementing the palaeopathological findings and commingled remains analysis with metagenomic analysis and historical data, will offer a comprehensive view of the epidemiological profile of 19th-century Porto, including pathogen/disease prevalence.

This poster was presented at the 24th European Meeting of the Paleopathology Association (21-24 August 2024), Leiden, the Netherlands.