A case of rheumatoid arthritis in a Nubian woman from the site of Sheikh Mohamed, near Aswan, Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: To differentially diagnose and contextualize pathological lesions suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis.

MATERIALS: The skeletal remains of a 25-30-year-old female dated to c. 1750-1550 BCE from a Nubian Pan-Grave cemetery at the site of Sheik Mohamed, near Aswan, Egypt.

METHODS: The skeletal remains were examined macroscopically and a differential diagnosis was conducted following established protocols in the palaeopathological literature.

RESULTS: Symmetrical, bilateral, erosive periarticular lesions with smooth edges were observed in multiple joints (especially in the hands and feet).

CONCLUSIONS: Differential diagnosis suggests this individual had rheumatoid arthritis.

SIGNIFICANCE: This case suggests the presence of rheumatoid arthritis in ancient Egypt, contributing to a more finely grained understanding of the antiquity and geographical distribution of the condition.

LIMITATIONS: It was not possible to radiograph the skeletal remains.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Researchers are encouraged to re-examine any archaeological examples of erosive polyarthropathy using current palaeopathological protocols and to explore the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis on the African continent.