For over two decades the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore VA Medical Center and Medical Alumni Association have participated in “The Historical CPC.” This annual conference explores possible diagnoses for important historical patients that were never confirmed. Such individuals diagnosed in past conferences include, Ludwig van Beethoven (syphilis), Edgar Allen Poe (Rabies) and Mozart (Acute rheumatic fever). This year presenters, Marc C. Patterson, M.D. and Thomas B. Cole, M.D., M.P.H., discussed Anna Christina Olson.
While her name may not ring a bell, she is the subject of the very iconic American painting — Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth that hangs in the MOMA. The work, shown below, depicts Christina (Wyeth’s neighbor) crawling through the lawn towards her home. It has been said that she may have suffered from polio (crippling her), however she was never actually diagnosed with the disease.
After studying all of the available medical records and works by Wyeth showing Christina as the subject matter, both doctors came up with a very different diagnoses.
Starting at the young age of three, Christina was walking on the “outside of her feet with an odd gait,” by 13 she was often stumbling and falling and by 19 her falls were worsening. When Christina reached her mid 20s she was only able to take a few steps on her own and at 50 she lost the use and feeling of her lower extremities entirely. She resorted to crawling wherever she wanted to go, which is depicted in the famous work and it was not until she turned 74 that she would give in to a wheelchair.
After studying all possible illnesses Patterson and Cole diagnosed Christina with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; a group of genetic disorders that damage the peripheral nerves. All of Christina’s recorded symptoms suggest this disease … one that weakens and numbs the feet, ankles, legs and hands. While there was no form of treatment while Christina was alive, patients suffering from CMT today can take several measures to reduce their symptoms and increase mobility.
For more about Christina’s cases and past conferences: Historical Clinicopathological Conference
