Prostatic hyperplasia in the mummy of an italian renaissance prince.
BACKGROUND
Pandolfo III Malatesta (1370-1427) was a leading figure of the Italian Renaissance. He was a valiant soldier and horseman with a very active life style. Historical sources report that he died of a fever in 1427. The tomb, containing his mummified body, has recently been discovered in Fano (Marche, Central Italy).


METHODS
After careful X-ray and videographic examination, autopsy was performed to diagnose possible pathologies. Samples of different tissues were collected and rehydrated by Sandison's method and submitted to routine histology processes. Sections of treated tissue were fixed on clean slides, stained with hematoxylin-eosin or Gardner's Trichromic and observed at light microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The autopsy showed good preservation of the skeletal muscles, cartilage, internal and external organs included prostate gland and penis. Macroscopic examination revealed stag-horn calculi (calcium urate) of the left kidney and a severe enlargement of the prostate, with calcifications detectable by X-ray and a large nodule protruding in the lumen of an ectatic urethra. Histology shows fibrous bands of connective and muscular tissue surrounding some circular and oblong lacunae, with no preservation of epithelial structures. The macroscopic and histological picture, showing clear prostatic nodular hyperplasia, makes this the first case described in paleopathology.
Ciranni
R
R
Department of Oncology, Transplants and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Division of Pathology, University of Pisa, Italy. r.ciranni@do.med.unipi.it
Giusti
L
L
Fornaciari
G
G
D001344:Autopsy; D005197:Famous Persons; D049668:History, 15th Century; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D009106:Mummies / Q000473:pathology*; D011467:Prostate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000266:history* / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D013737:Testis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology