Beitrag

Vertebral haemangiomas in palaeopathology: skeletal evidence from Etruscan Italy

Simonit, Rachele; Panetta, Daniele; Maudet, Ségolène; Giuffra, Valentina; Riccomi, Giulia

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Anthropologischer Anzeiger (2026)

Online veröffentlicht: Jan 29, 2026
Manuskript akzeptiert: Nov 13, 2025
finale Ms. Revision erhalten: Nov 13, 2025
Manuskript-Revision angefordert: Sep 15, 2025
Manuskript erhalten: May 11, 2025

DOI: 10.1127/anthranz/1952

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Abstract

This research aims to provide a framework for identifying vestiges of vertebral haemangioma (VH), a benign tumour originating from the cells that form blood or lymphatic vessels, in archaeological human skeletal remains. The macroscopic alteration was observed in the fourth thoracic vertebral body of a female aged 25–35 years at death from the necropolis of Pontecagnano (Salerno, Italy), dated to 725–650 BCE; the adult individual was associated with the skeletal remains of an infant. Macroscopic assessment was combined with stereomicroscopy, micro-CT, and 3D reconstruction. Macroscopically, areas of cortical bone loss enabled evaluation of trabecular thickening and rarefaction. Radiographically, small punctuate areas of sclerotic bone resulting from the replacement of the normal cancellous bone by vertically oriented and thickened vertical trabeculae were typified as ‘polka-dot’ on the axial plane and ‘corduroy’ sign on the sagittal image. The bone alterations are considered pathognomonic of an intraosseous VH. This study, which describes one of the few cases of VH in the palaeopathological literature, highlights the importance of combining macroscopic assessment and advanced imaging techniques for the diagnosis of VHs in archaeological human skeletal remains.

Schlagworte

benign tumour • Mediterranean • polka-dot sign • micro-CT • pregnancy