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Frida Kahlo’s medical history: From posttraumatic fibromyalgia to antiphospholipid syndrome

https://doi.org/10.47360/1995-4484-2026-214-218

Abstract

Despite the frequent mention of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in Russian scientific publications, only a few Russian-language articles relate to her medical history, and only those aspects that indicate a high probability of Frida Kahlo having fibromyalgia, which developed after receiving multiple traumatic injuries in a serious accident. At the same time, Frida Kahlo’s medical history goes far beyond post-traumatic fibromyalgia, and is of particular interest, given that almost all of its aspects are reflected in the numerous self-portraits of the great artist. The article presents the view of a rheumatologist on facts and hypotheses known from the life and work of Frida Kahlo, indicating a high probability of having not only fibromyalgia, but also antiphospholipid syndrome in her anamnesis.

About the Author

A. V. Santimov
Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Russian Federation

Andrei V. Santimov

194100, Saint Petersburg, Litovskaya str., 2


Competing Interests:

none



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Review

For citations:


Santimov A.V. Frida Kahlo’s medical history: From posttraumatic fibromyalgia to antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumatology Science and Practice. 2026;64(2):214-218. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.47360/1995-4484-2026-214-218

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ISSN 1995-4484 (Print)
ISSN 1995-4492 (Online)