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13 - The Challenging Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease in Skeletal Remains

Identifying Atherosclerotic Calcifications from Modern Documented Individuals

from Part III - Contemporary Perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 March 2023

Michaela Binder
Affiliation:
Novetus GmbH Archaeological Services
Charlotte A. Roberts
Affiliation:
Durham University
Daniel Antoine
Affiliation:
British Museum, London
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Summary

The very high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in populations today makes their study unavoidable, necessary and of paramount importance in forensic sciences. Knowledge about pathological conditions affecting a skeletonised individual is crucial information for reconstructing the biological profile of a victim of crime and may be used in the individualisation and identification of an unknown deceased person (Cunha, 2006). In addition, a correct diagnosis of atherosclerosis in skeletal remains may provide information on the cause of death of the individual.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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