CHEST Guidelines-Pulmonary-Echinococcosis-in-the-Terminal-Disease-o

Pulmonary-Echinococcosis-in-the-Terminal-Disease-o

Pdf Summary

Ferdinand II de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany (1610-1670), died from pulmonary echinococcosis, compounded by a stroke likely caused by embolic infarction. Ferdinand, a prominent patron of arts and a contemporary of Galileo, ruled during a period marked by political conflict, economic decline, and epidemics. His death was initially attributed to an “ictus following dropsy,” but it was later identified as being related to echinococcosis, specifically caused by Echinococcus granulosus, more common in the Italian region.<br /><br />Detailed historical accounts report that Ferdinand suffered from severe respiratory issues in the months leading to his death. Treatments administered by his physician, Francesco Redi, included sweet beverages, bloodletting, and vesicants for symptom relief. Despite brief improvements, his condition escalated, culminating in a massive respiratory attack and eventually paralysis and unconsciousness.<br /><br />An autopsy conducted two days after his death revealed significant findings, including hydatid disease affecting the right lung and parietal pleura, while avoiding the liver, indicating E. granulosus infection. The presence of a cardiac mass, likely a thrombus or related structure, supports the hypothesis of an embolic stroke leading to his death. Noteworthy is the absence of liver congestion, ruling out chronic heart failure.<br /><br />The report demonstrates the historical accuracy of medical documentation from that era, allowing modern researchers to diagnose Ferdinand’s ailments with precision. Although the Duke suffered from a “benign” form of echinococcosis, his untimely death resulted from stroke due to embolism, possibly linked to a cardiac thrombus influenced by echinococcosis. This case underscores the challenges of diagnosing and treating complex diseases in historical contexts.

Keywords

Ferdinand II de’ Medici

Grand Duke of Tuscany

pulmonary echinococcosis

embolic infarction

Echinococcus granulosus

Francesco Redi

hydatid disease

embolic stroke

historical medical documentation

cardiac thrombus