Atherosclerotic calcifications, multi-joint osteoarthritis and other health conditions in two skeletons from Largo do Carmo, Lisbon (15th-18th centuries)

Abstract

This work aims to present and discuss a group of pathological changes observed in two old individuals exhumed from Largo do Carmo, Lisbon. These individuals, a female (Sk. 1) and a male (Sk. 2) were exhumed in 2014 and 2015 and belong to an assemblage of circa 250 individuals (still under study), dated from the 15th century to 1755. The macroscopic analysis of the two individuals, who were fragile but fairly complete, revealed severe multi-joint osteoarthritis (OA), affecting more than six synovial joints, bone fractures, and rare calcifications. While Sk. 1 showed more bilateral OA lesions on the shoulder girdle, those of the elbow and hip were more notorious in the second individual. Both showed fractures on the distal radius and ribs, probably osteoporotic. Atherosclerotic calcifications were recovered in both individuals. Tubular calcifications (110 mm), close to the left and right femur of Sk. 2 and two irregular calcified masses (20 mm and 50 mm) on the abdomen of Sk. 1. The former resembles a case of femoral artery calcification, the latter calcified fibroid. Clinically, bodyweight and aging, as biomechanics, are strongly related with multi-joint OA. Aging and systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease) also predispose peripheral arterial calcification. The uncommon cases reported are relevant to understand longevity, lifestyle and disease in the past.