A Prehispanic infant from Tenerife with diffuse microporotic lesions

Area of Science:

• Paleopathology
• Bioarchaeology
• Human Osteology

Background:

• A prehispanic infant (≈6 months old) skeletal remains were analyzed.
• The remains were discovered in a burial cave in Tenerife, dating back approximately 600 years BP.
• Microporotic lesions were observed on multiple bones, particularly the palate, occipital bone, maxilla, and humerus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and analyze diffuse microporotic bone lesions in an infant.
• To investigate potential causes, such as malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, for the observed bone lesions.
• To discuss pathophysiological connections between various deficiencies and bone pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Macroscopic examination of skeletal remains.
• Genetic sexing of the individual.
• Analysis of bone lesion characteristics and distribution.

Main Results:

• Diffuse microporotic lesions were present in several bones, notably the hard palate, occipital bone, maxilla, and humerus.
• A subtle periosteal reaction accompanied the lesions.
• The findings are compatible with scurvy, possibly linked to malnutrition in the infant and potentially the mother.

Conclusions:

• The bone lesions suggest a diagnosis of scurvy, likely exacerbated by malnutrition.
• Pathophysiological links between iron, vitamin C, and vitamin D deficiencies are discussed.
• Further observational and experimental studies are recommended to elucidate the causes of these paleopathological lesions.