# Double dehiscence (Superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani) in the epicampaniform period (Arboli type)

## TL;DR

This study identifies a rare skull condition in ancient human remains from the Iberian Peninsula, showing that a modern syndrome existed thousands of years ago.

## Contribution

The first documented case of double dehiscence (superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani) in ancient human remains.

## Key findings

- A male skull from 1800–1700 BC shows double dehiscence on the right side.
- The individual also exhibited possible congenital muscular torticollis on the same side.
- This confirms the existence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome in ancient times.

## Abstract

Although the superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome was described at the end of the 20th century, we want to check if it is a pathology that has existed since ancient times, through the anthropological study of bone remains.

We have carried out an anthropological and radiological study (CT scan) of 8 skulls found in caves, as secondary burials of the Arbolí type epicampaniform culture (1800 − 1700 BC) on the Iberian Peninsula.

The 8 skulls (16 temporal bones) show a grade 4 degree of pneumatisation or hyperpneumatization. One of these skulls, belonging to a male subject of around 25–30 years of age, shows a double dehiscence (superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani) on the right side, and a possible congenital muscular torticollis on the same side.

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome already existed in an inhabitant from 1800 − 1700 BC (Iberian Peninsula). This is the first case in which the association of both dehiscences (superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani) has been demonstrated.