Description
This constitutes the inaugural conference in what has become an annual event to discuss the illnesses of historical figures. In this presentation, Dr. Roberto Benitez reviews Edgar Allan Poe’s medical history as well as the facts and observations of the author’s final few days in the Washington College Hospital in Baltimore. As a result of his investigation, Dr. Benitez concludes that Poe succumbed to a rabies infection, a new theory of the mysterious cause of his death. A discussion with additional information provided by Joseph Costa, M.D., appears at the end of the document.Alterative Diagnosis: Delirium tremens. Reference: Benitez RM, et al. Maryland Med J 1996; 45: 765-9
Sponsors
University of Maryland, Baltimore. School of MedicineVA Maryland Health Care System (U.S)
University of Maryland, Baltimore. School of Medicine. Medical Alumni Association
Kramer, Morton D., M.D.
Keyword
Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849--Death and burialCause of Death
Diagnosis, Differential
Famous Persons
Rabies
Historical Article