Beyond the cause of death: other pathological conditions in a female individual from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (Portugal)

Abstract

Identified osteological collections are important sources for pathological studies, especially when the causes of death of the individuals are known. However, the individual may have suffered from other disorders, not related to the death and thus absent from written record of death. The aims of this paper are to describe the pathological signs perceptible on a skeleton, and to consider the possible aetiologies beyond the recorded cause of death. Skeleton number 470 belongs to the Identified Skeletal Collection of the University of Coimbra, Portugal. This female died in 1933, and pulmonary tuberculosis was recorded as the cause of death. The skeleton was observed macroscopically by the naked eye and with the help of a magnifying (10×) lens. Radiographic techniques were also applied. This individual presents skeletal abnormalities that include rib and vertebral agenesis, kyphoscoliosis, coxa vara in the right femur, left femoral head detachment with bone resorption in the corresponding acetabulum, and bilateral bowing of the fibulae. The differential diagnosis includes chromosomal or congenital, infectious, endocrine and metabolic diseases, with residual rickets the most probable pathological condition affecting this woman during her youth. This study shows that either in identified or unidentified skeletal samples, careful observation and a differential diagnosis is crucial.