An example of meningiomatous hyperostosis from medieval rochester

Abstract

The age and sex of SK46 are compatible with a diagnosis of meningioma. Although it cannot be proved, it is possible that the tumour was the rarer en plaque type, which is known to be commoner in the frontal and temporal regions34 and is reported to favour hyperostosis.35 The small stature, the advanced spinal degeneration and the poor state of oral hygiene lead us to suspect that this medieval woman was a member of the lower social class, engaged in heavy manual work. If this speculation is correct, it is in agreement with Preston-Martin‘s findings36 that meningiomas are more common in the lower social classes. An unusual palaeopathological example of cranial overgrowth has been presented. Examination of the dry bone specimen, coupled with X-ray investigation and CT scan, support a diagnosis of meningiomatous hyperostosis. The age and sex of the skeleton conform to what is known from modern day meningioma patients. This is a rare find, bringing the number of convincing cases reported in world literature to only 8 (table 1). In the presented example from later medieval Rochester, there is evidence of cranial disfigurement, notably exophthalmos and possible blindness. There is a distinct possibility that the meningioma had developed an aggressive malignant tendency. If this is correct, it permits diagnosis of cause of death of some 600 years after burial. © 1992, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.