A case of rheumatoid arthritis in a Nubian woman from the site of Sheikh Mohamed, near Aswan, Egypt.

OBJECTIVE

To differentially diagnose and contextualize pathological lesions suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis.

MATERIALS

The skeletal remains of a 25-30-year-old female dated to c. 1750-1550 BCE from a Nubian Pan-Grave cemetery at the site of Sheik Mohamed, near Aswan, Egypt.

METHODS

The skeletal remains were examined macroscopically and a differential diagnosis was conducted following established protocols in the palaeopathological literature.

RESULTS

Symmetrical, bilateral, erosive periarticular lesions with smooth edges were observed in multiple joints (especially in the hands and feet).

CONCLUSIONS

Differential diagnosis suggests this individual had rheumatoid arthritis.

SIGNIFICANCE

This case suggests the presence of rheumatoid arthritis in ancient Egypt, contributing to a more finely grained understanding of the antiquity and geographical distribution of the condition.

LIMITATIONS

It was not possible to radiograph the skeletal remains.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Researchers are encouraged to re-examine any archaeological examples of erosive polyarthropathy using current palaeopathological protocols and to explore the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis on the African continent.