A case of hydrocephalus in a child from early modern period Žumberak, Croatia

Int J Paleopathol. 2019 Sep:26:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2019.04.004. Epub 2019 May 28.

¹ Anthropological Center, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ante Kovačića 5, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: zbedic@hazu.hr.
² Croatian Conservation Institute, Division for Archaeological Heritage, Kožarska 5, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: aazinovic@h-r-z.hr.
³ University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Chair of Social Medicine and Organization of Health Care, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
⁴ Anthropological Center, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ante Kovačića 5, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: mslaus@hazu.hr.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the etiology of a subadult skeleton exhibiting increased size of the neurocranium and upper face.

Materials: Skeletal remains of a child aged between 1.5-2 years from the Early Modern Period (14th -18th), Žumberak, Croatia.

Methods: Metric and volumetric data were collected, and CT with VRT reconstruction was employed.

Results: Metric analyses indicate that the neurocranium and upper face display increased size and volume.

Conclusion: A diagnosis of the communicating form of hydrocephalus is suggested.

Significance: This is the first published case of the communicating form of hydrocephalus.

Limitations: It is difficult to determine the specific etiology of this condition based on skeletal remains.

Keywords: Croatia; Early Modern Period; Hydrocephalus; Žumberak.