A possible case of neurofibromatosis in an archaeological skeleton

Abstract

The skeletal remains described in this paper are those of a possible early sufferer of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis, a tumour‐forming disorder that occurs quite commonly today. This case is the earliest described from archaeological remains. As such, it provides possible confirmation for the problematical literary documentation of the disorder's presence and allows direct appraisal of its skeletal manifestations.

Evidence of neurofibromatosis type 1 in a multi-morbid Inca child mummy: A paleoradiological investigation using computed tomography

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first definite diagnosis of NF 1 in paleopathological and paleoradiological literature based mainly on soft tissue findings in CT images. In paleopathological literature, few cases consider the diagnosis of NF 1 in skeletal remains [ 40 – 42 ]. Probable historical cases of NF 1 are discussed in the Ebers Papyrus Case #873 from Egypt dated at 1536 BC [ 43 ], a statue from Hellenistic times [ 44 ], the kings of Parthia (247 BC– 224 AD) as depicted on coins [ 45 ], and the painting “La Camera degli Sposi” from Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506) in Italy [ 46 ].…”