Juvenile cirrhosis in a 16th century Italian mummy. Current technologies in pathology and ancient human tissues

Virchows Archiv : an International Journal of Pathology
R Ciranni, G Fornaciari

Abstract

The natural headless mummy of a young man from the Basilica of Saint Domenico Maggiore in Naples (16th century) showed at autopsy a well-preserved fibrous liver with a nodular surface, suggesting a case of cirrhosis. Stereo and light microscope study confirmed this diagnosis. To identify the possible etiology of this cirrhosis, additional techniques currently used in pathology were performed. Hemochromatosis and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency were investigated without results. Investigation regarding Wilson's disease gave positive results, since the use of rhodamine staining, which is specific to detect the presence of copper in tissues, resulted in red-brown grains at light microscopy. The positive rhodamine test was invalidated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), which revealed normal copper levels in the tissues. These negative results and the clear and diffuse macronodularity of the liver suggest a case of post-necrotic cirrhosis.

References

Nov 1, 1955·Stain Technology·A T SANDISON

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Citations

Feb 3, 2005·Cell Research·Natalia JuraDafna Bar-Sagi
Sep 9, 2006·International Journal of Surgical Pathology·Luca VenturaGino Fornaciari
Nov 8, 2017·Genes·Tasha M Santiago-RodriguezRaul J Cano
Sep 17, 2008·Virchows Archiv : an International Journal of Pathology·P CharlierG Lorin de la Grandmaison

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