A Renaissance Pope with arthritis following frostbite

J Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Sep;19(6):332-3. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0b013e3182a21b89.

Abstract

Pius II, a 15th century Pope, developed chronic foot pain following frostbite at age 30. Later in life he was progressively disabled by arthritis elsewhere and by colic, which may have been due to kidney stones. The differential diagnosis of his rheumatic disease and its effect on his career are discussed.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Case Reports
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / etiology*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / history*
  • Colic / complications
  • Colic / diagnosis
  • Colic / history
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Frostbite / complications*
  • Frostbite / diagnosis
  • Frostbite / history*
  • Gout / complications
  • Gout / diagnosis
  • Gout / history
  • History, 15th Century
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Kidney Calculi / complications
  • Kidney Calculi / diagnosis
  • Kidney Calculi / history
  • Male

Personal name as subject

  • Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini