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Prostatic hyperplasia in the mummy of an Italian renaissance prince
Author(s) -
Ciranni Rosalba,
Giusti Laura,
Fornaciari Gino
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0045(20001201)45:4<320::aid-pros6>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - anatomy , histology , h&e stain , lumen (anatomy) , pathology , nodule (geology) , medicine , hyperplasia , prostate , autopsy , biology , immunohistochemistry , paleontology , surgery , cancer
BACKROUND Pandolfo III Malatesta (1370–1427) was a leading figure of the Italian Renaissance. He was a valiant soldier and horseman with a very active life style. Historical sources report that he died of a fever in 1427. The tomb, containing his mummified body, has recently been discovered in Fano (Marche, Central Italy). METHODS After careful X‐ray and videographic examination, autopsy was performed to diagnose possible pathologies. Samples of different tissues were collected and rehydrated by Sandison's method and submitted to routine histology processes. Sections of treated tissue were fixed on clean slides, stained with hematoxylin‐eosin or Gardner's Trichromic and observed at light microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The autopsy showed good preservation of the skeletal muscles, cartilage, internal and external organs included prostate gland and penis. Macroscopic examination revealed stag‐horn calculi (calcium urate) of the left kidney and a severe enlargement of the prostate, with calcifications detectable by X‐ray and a large nodule protruding in the lumen of an ectatic urethra. Histology shows fibrous bands of connective and muscular tissue surrounding some circular and oblong lacunae, with no preservation of epithelial structures. The macroscopic and histological picture, showing clear prostatic nodular hyperplasia, makes this the first case described in paleopathology. Prostate 45:320–322, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.