Testing the Digital Atlas of Ancient Rare Diseases (DAARD) using a new case of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease from Early Byzantine (500–700 CE) Olympia, Greece

Objective

The first case of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) in Greece is presented. LCPD, a rare disease, is discussed using the Digital Atlas of Ancient Rare Diseases (DAARD), which tests the benefits of the database for diagnosing and contextualizing the new case with 42 archaeological cases of LCPD recorded in the DAARD.

Materials

A 30–40-year-old, probable male individual was found at the archaeological site of Olympia, Greece, dating to 500–700 CE.

Methods

Biological sex, age-at-death and pathological changes were investigated using macroscopic and osteometric methods. The DAARD provided the typical characteristics of LCPD.

Results

Pathological changes in both hip joints without any other related changes in the skeleton corresponded to the skeletal features of LCPD. The DAARD produced 42 cases of LCPD, most of which from Europe, with a preference for male sex and unilateral involvement of the hip joint.

Conclusions

The DAARD aids in diagnosing rare diseases and interpreting new cases in the context of already known studies.

Significance

This study shows that the DAARD has the potential to help researchers move beyond the level of single case studies and create a broader picture of the history of rare diseases.

Limitations

This paper focuses on the benefits of the DAARD in relation to LCPD but not all rare diseases have been included in the database.

Suggestions for further research

More rare diseases from archaeological contexts should be added to the DAARD to create a base for the interpretation of their history and expand our understanding of rare diseases in the past.