1992/02/01 by Leonard J. Hoenig · 2 citations
Medicine · Arts and Humanities · #Medicine and Dermatology Studies History #History of Medicine Studies #Medical History and Research
paper · doi:10.1001/archinte.1992.00400140028008
openalex publication_date 1992/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Christopher Columbus suffered from an arthritic disorder that began on his First Voyage to the New World. The disease was progressive, punctuated by painful flares in the lower extremities, and, at times, seemed to be associated with fever and ocular symptoms. During his Fourth Voyage and final years of life, Columbus was immobilized by his rheumatologic condition. This article uses contemporary historical accounts of Columbus' illness to trace the clinical features of his disease.