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Diego Maradona showed several potentially life-threatening symptoms while receiving medical care at home shortly before his death in 2020, but doctors failed to respond to the warning signs, an Argentine forensic expert told a court on Tuesday (August 11).
Carlos Cassinelli, one of the lead forensic specialists who reviewed Maradona’s medical condition, gave evidence before the San Isidro court during the ongoing trial into the football icon’s death.
Cassinelli said Maradona had developed swelling in his lower legs and fingers, breathing difficulties, signs of high blood pressure and an unusually rapid heartbeat. He described the symptoms as serious warning signs that could indicate a life-threatening deterioration.
Despite the swelling caused by fluid retention and the risks associated with it, none of the doctors treating Maradona visited him to assess his condition, Cassinelli told the court.
He also said the medical team appeared to have overlooked the warning signs because Maradona’s treatment was not adjusted in response to his worsening condition.
According to Cassinelli, allowing Maradona to remain at home under medical supervision was itself a mistake. He suggested that the football legend’s deteriorating condition required a higher level of medical care.
Maradona, who captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup and is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, died in November 2020, roughly two weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.
He suffered cardiac arrest and acute pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, before his death.
Seven healthcare workers are currently facing trial over alleged medical negligence in connection with Maradona’s death. The proceedings began in April and are examining whether members of his medical team failed to provide appropriate care as his condition deteriorated.
Cassinelli’s testimony may prove important in determining whether the medical staff recognised, or should have recognised, the serious signs that Maradona was suffering a potentially fatal decline.