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Two Roman and medieval cases of symmetrical erosive polyarthropathy from Normandy: anatomico‐pathological and radiological evidence for rheumatoid arthritis
Author(s) -
Blondiaux Joël,
Cotten Anne,
Fontaine Christian,
Hänni Catherine,
Bera Anne,
Flipo RenéMarc
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
international journal of osteoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1099-1212
pISSN - 1047-482X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1212(199709/10)7:5<451::aid-oa334>3.0.co;2-4
Subject(s) - radiological weapon , pathological , paleopathology , medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , surgery , pathology
With continued archaeological discoveries of skeletal remains in the USA and Europe, discussion of the possible aetiology for recognized cases of symmetrical erosive polyarthropathy include the spondylarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis. One skeleton from the fourth century site of Lisieux and a second from the eleventh century site of Rouen are characterized by numerous symmetrical marginal erosions, primarily involving the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Results of maroscopic, microscopic and radiological examination are highly suggestive of a modern‐day diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. These data are consistent with the presence of rheumatoid arthritis before the onset of the fourteenth century. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.