A case of acromegaly (Greece, 7th century AD)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo diagnose hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma in dry bones.DesignWe present here the case of a pathological skull from the Byzantine site of Eleutherna (Greece).MethodsA complete anthropological and medical examination of the skull and the whole conserved skeleton was performed in the laboratory.ResultsAll anatomical signs of acromegaly were present on this skull. More importantly, enlargement of the sella turcica clearly indicated the development of a macroadenoma, at the origin of the disease.ConclusionsThis skeletal case, and other ancient ones are discussed, to better describe the history of the disease, and the possibilities of the diagnosis.