Two cases of skeletal dysplasia from New Kingdom (c. 1400–1050 BCE) Tombos, Sudan

ConclusionsA differential diagnosis of Léri–Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) is suggested for the adult female individual (U36.Sh2.B10). The second case (U36.Sh2.B5) is an approximately three to five-year-old individual and is difficult to diagnose given the young age; however, LWD remains the most likely diagnosis.SignificanceThere are few cases of LWD in the paleopathological literature, and fewer still of juveniles. The cases described are useful examples in expanding research demonstrating the variability in the expression of skeletal dysplasias in juveniles and adults.LimitationsTaphonomic alterations and fragmentation of the crania and portions of the postcrania limited the observation of the full suite of characteristics associated with skeletal dysplasias. U36.Sh2.B5 is difficult to diagnose given the individual’s young age and the possibility that this individual had not yet developed the more observable characteristics associated with these conditions.Suggestions for further researchResearchers are encouraged to continue examining the range of expression of skeletal dysplasias in juveniles and adults.

Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - August 2, 2019 Category: Pathology Source Type: research