Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aims to discuss the differential diagnosis for the pathological alterations displayed on an infant skeleton from Romania. MaterialsOne infant skeleton retrieved form the bathhouse of an abandoned Roman fort and dated between the 2nd and the 4th centuries AD. MethodsAll available skeletal elements were analyzed macroscopically. In addition, the isotopic signatures (δ13C and δ15N) and the control region of the human mitochondrial genome for this archaeological sample were analyzed. ResultsBased on dental development and long bone length, the skeleton was aged between birth and 2 months of age. Pathological lesions were noted on the mandible and diaphyses of long bones, but spared the metaphyses. ConclusionsThe perinatal age of the individual, along with lesion morphology and location, suggests a diagnosis of infantile cortical hyperostosis. LimitationsThe analysis would benefit from further stable isotope and mitochondrial genome analyses, which was limited due to the absence of comparative human and faunal remains from the site. Suggestions for further researchFurther multidisciplinary research on human archaeological remains from Romania would provide a clearer image of past disease and life histories in this geographic area.
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