Histopathological Evidence of Coal-Workers’ Anthracofibrosis in Natural Mummies of 16th-18th Centuries
Authors
Michele Paudice
Sec. Anatomic Pathology, Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa
Mirko Traversari
Laboratories of Physical Anthropology and Ancient DNA, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna
Chiara Maria Biatta
Sec. Anatomic Pathology, Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa
Leonardo Peñuela
Fetal and Placental Pathology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa
Francesca Buffelli
Fetal and Placental Pathology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa
Bruno Spina
Pathology Unit, San Martino Hospital, Genoa
Ezio Fulcheri
Sec. Anatomic Pathology, Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa; Fetal and Placental Pathology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa
Valerio Gaetano Vellone
Sec. Anatomic Pathology, Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa; Pathology Academic Unit, San Martino Hospital, Genoa
During the restoration works of the Conversion of St. Paul Church in Roccapelago (Modena, Italy, 2009), a burial crypt containing the remains of about 400 individuals was discovered. Natural mummification has occurred in 60 cases. Our Research Group, focused the paleopathological investigation on the pulmonary tract, since the reported massive coal dust exposure of Roccapelago’s dwellers even in parish records. In 24 mummies, the alleged pulmonary tissue was biopsied through pre- existing solutions of continuity of the rib cage. In 18 cases (75%), lung tissue was recognized. In 7 cases (29,16%) we observed a massive deposition of black pigment, often nodular shaped, surrounded by dense fibrous tissue more evident with the Masson Trichrome staining. The morphological findings appeared diagnostics for anthracofibrosis secondary to massive pulmonary anthracosis. To our knowledge, this series is one of the most conspicuous paleopathological records of occupational lung diseases.
