what is the cause of beethoven's death?

[rach]

anyone knows? thanks

[lysander]

Originally posted by rach:
anyone knows? thanks

Beethoven's stomach and bowel disorder
was most probably ulcerative colitis, which
can now successfully be treated with steriods drugs. This together with repeated feverish attacks, which particularly affected his chest and lowered his immune system, so he would have less resistance to infection.
Degeneration of the arteries and cirrhosis of the liver (resulting from hepatitis or repeated inflammation) suggested that Beethoven suffered from connective tissue disease.
The dropsy from which he was suffering at his death was probably a direct result of liver failure, although it could also indicate a weakening heart.
If 'B' was suffering from connective tissue
disorder, it could have caused damage to the blood vessels supplying the auditory nerves and tissues, of which there is evidence at the autopsy.




[This message has been edited by lysander (edited July 01, 2003).]

[rach]

thanks