St. Santa Rosa Died of Heart Condition

X-ray technology helped researchers determine the death of St. Santa Rosa, a saint of the Catholic Church who is believed to have wielded powers of resurrection, and to have escaped a burning pyre unharmed. The saint's body has lain in-state for 700 years, until experts were asked to help treat and stop damage in the 1990s.

While historical researchers uncovered documents suggesting Santa Rosa may have succumbed to Tuberculosis at, or around, the age of 18, x-ray evidence shows it is more likely to have been a blood clot in the heart. Researchers think Santa Rosa may have been afflicted with Cantrell's Syndrome, a rare heart condition, though more research is needed for confirmation. No trace of TB was found in the saint's body.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010