Differential Diagnosis of Complex Conditions in Paleopathology: A Mutational Spectrum Approach
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Date
2021-01-06
Authors
Lukashal, Elizabeth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
The expression of mutations causing complex conditions varies considerably on a scale of mild to severe referred to as a mutational spectrum. Capturing a complete picture of this scale in the archaeological record through the study of human remains is limited due to a number of factors complicating the diagnosis of complex conditions. An array of potential etiologies for particular conditions, and crossover of various symptoms add an extra layer of complexity preventing paleopathologists from confidently attempting a differential diagnosis. This study attempts to address these challenges in a number of ways: 1) by providing an overview of congenital and developmental anomalies important in the identification of mild expressions related to mutations causing complex conditions; 2) by outlining diagnostic features of select anomalies used as screening tools for complex conditions in the medical field ; 3) by assessing how mild/carrier expressions of mutations and conditions with minimal skeletal impact are accounted for and used within paleopathology; and 4) by considering the potential of these mild expressions in illuminating additional diagnostic and environmental information regarding past populations.
Description
Keywords
biological anthropology, paleopathology, differential diagnosis, rare disease, bioarchaeology, osteology, syndromes, archaeology
LC Keywords
Physical anthropology, Paleopathology, Diagnosis, Differential, Rare diseases, Human remains (Archaeology), Bones, Syndromes, Archaeology