Historical Clinicopathological Conference 1996 : Alexander the Great
Description
The death of Alexander the Great was the subject of this 2nd annual conference. Included are a medical history, symptoms of the illness that took his life, a differential diagnosis, and the proposed cause of death. Dr. Oldach’s diagnosis is infection by “Salmonella typhi, complicated by bowel perforation and ascending paralysis”. An Historical Discussion by Eugene N. Borza, Ph.D., an expert on the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, appears at the end of the text.Presenter's Diagnosis (Dr. David W. Oldach): Arsenic intoxication. Alterative Diagnosis: Typhoid fever-induced Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Citation
Oldach, D.W., Richard, R.E., Borza, E.N., & Benitez, R.M. (1998). A Mysterious Death. New England Journal of Medicine, 338(24), 1764-1769Sponsors
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
Alexander, the Great, 356 B.C.-323 B.C.--Death and burialCause of Death
Diagnosis, Differential
Famous Persons
Salmonella typhi
Typhoid Fever
Historical Article