%0 Journal Article
%A Coutinho-Nogueira, Dany
%A Coqueugniot, Hélène
%A Dutour, Olivier
%A Ben-Ncer, Abdelouahed
%A Hublin, Jean-Jacques
%+ Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Max Planck Society
%T Inner ear modifications in Dar-es-Soltane II H5 (Morocco): A case of labyrinthitis ossificans :
%G eng
%U https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-000B-21E3-F
%R 10.1016/j.ijpp.2022.06.004
%7 2022-07-06
%D 2022
%* Review method: peer-reviewed
%X Abstract
Objective
This paper presents the inner ear modifications in Dar-es-Soltane II H5, an Aterian fossil possibly dated to 100 ka.
Material
The remains consist of a large portion of the cranium including the face, the left frontal and temporal bones, part of the left parietal bone and greater wing of the sphenoid.
Methods
The bony labyrinth anatomy was investigated on existing micro-CT data acquired by the MPI-EVA.
Results
The observation of micro-CT sections revealed a partial filling of the semi-circular canals that raises question about its origin. A careful examination of the micro-CT sections shows that the elements present in the semicircular canals were denser than the sediments observed in other regions and cavities of the temporal bone.
Conclusions
The current evidence suggests a pathological origin of this condition with partial ossification of the membranous labyrinth. The differential diagnosis indicates a case of labyrinthitis ossificans in its early stages.
Significance
This pathological condition can be responsible for permanent hearing loss and is associated with dizziness and vertigo. Along with the Singa skull, Dar-es-Soltane II H5 represents one of the oldest known cases of labyrinthitis ossificans.
Limitations
The early stage of disease and the absence of the right temporal bone limit conclusions about the degree of disability of the individual and their dependence on the rest of the group.
Suggestions for further research
To carry out a paleopathological study of all the fossils from Dar-es-Soltane II.
%J International Journal of Paleopathology
%V 38
%& 41
%P 41 - 44
%@ 18799817