Neuro-ophthalmological pathology in a “Portrait of a Young Woman” from Roman Egypt at the Toledo Museum of Art (USA)? - 14/08/24

Doi : 10.1016/j.jemep.2024.100998

A.I. Cucu ^a,^b, H.L. Corcoran ^c, A. Perciaccante ^d,^e, A.G. Nerlich ^f, R. Bianucci ^e,⁎
^a Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
^b Department of Neurosurgery, Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iaşi, Romania
^c Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
^d Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medicine, “San Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, Gorizia, Italy
^e Laboratory Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology (LAAB), Paris-Saclay University, 2, avenue de la Source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
^f Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Forensic Histology, Paleopathology and Mummy Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Nussbaumstr. 26, 80336 Munich, Germany

^⁎Corresponding author. Laboratory Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology (LAAB), Paris-Saclay University, 2, avenue de la Source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France.Laboratory Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology (LAAB), Paris-Saclay University2, avenue de la Source de la BièvreMontigny-Le-Bretonneux78180France

Summary

Background

This case report discusses the possible incidence of a neuro-ophthalmological tumour identified in a high quality mummy portrait of a woman from Roman Egypt at the Toledo Museum of Art, USA (1971.13).

Methodology

This analysis employs the published methodological procedures and recommendations for iconodiagnosis.

Results/Discussion

Careful observation allows the identification of neuro-ophthalmological signs possibly consistent with a neuro-ophtalmological tumour. Differential diagnosis includes post-traumatic condition.

Conclusion/Perspectives

This case is another example of a neuro-ocular pathology in a funerary mummy portrait of a woman who lived over 1,800years ago and adds to the few cases of medical conditions so far identified in portrait paintings from Roman Egypt.

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Keywords : Eye orbit, Facial oedema, Medial rectus muscle palsy, Mummy portrait, Roman Egypt, Tumour