Diagnostic reappraisal of disease in famous persons

Abstract

Reassessment of the illnesses of famous historical figures has sometimes led to revised diagnosis and provided insights into former areas of medical practice. However, such reassessments may be difficult as the historical person cannot amplify his medical history, medical records may be incomplete, the physical findings may be inadequate and key laboratory diagnostic tests may have not been performed. Despite these hindrances, some reviews have led to more precise diagnostic probabilities. But which cases should be analysed? Some indication may be given when clinical data may have previously been interpreted erroneously, details of an illness may be in an obscure source that awaits discovery, new information may have emerged recently, knowledge of candidate diseases may have been insufficient at the time, key diagnostic studies may have been unavailable, new medical discoveries may lead to a diagnostic re-evaluation and emotional investment in a diagnosis may have discouraged analysis. Archival materials include medical records, pictures, writings and correspondence from the subject, physicians, family, friends and colleagues. The search may take one to medical libraries, historical collections, newspapers and other pertinent sources. Much may be gained from examining the remains of famous individuals. Analysis of human and microbial genes in preserved tissues may provide evidence for a genetic or infectious disease. Heavy metal toxins found in hair, bones or other preserved tissues 1 can be informative. Skeletal remains and remnants of other organs can be imaged for evidence of disease including congenital deformity and trauma, or infectious disease such as tertiary syphilis or tuberculosis. Imaging methods augmented by computer analysis can also aid in reconstructing facial and other body configurations that