Warning signs in Diego Maradona’s health were allegedly overlooked in the days before his death, with a forensic doctor telling an Argentine court that his condition was worsening while he was under home care.
Forensic physician Carlos Cassinelli told the trial on Tuesday that Maradona had developed several signs of serious illness, including swelling in his lower limbs and fingers, shortness of breath, signs of high blood pressure and an unusually fast heart rate.
Cassinelli said the symptoms should have prompted doctors to take a closer look at the football legend’s condition, but his treatment plan did not change.
"Nobody went to see what that swelling was about" even though it posed "a life-threatening risk," he told the court in San Isidro, north of Buenos Aires.
Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial in Argentina since mid-April over possible negligence linked to Maradona’s death in 2020.
The World Cup-winning captain died from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs, about two weeks after undergoing surgery.
Cassinelli is part of a medical board that reviewed medical records and statements as it examined Maradona’s condition before his death.
"We believe these warning signs were not taken into account by the doctors because their approach did not change," he said.
The doctor also said he believed Maradona should not have been placed under home hospitalization, arguing that his health had continued to deteriorate after he left hospital.
According to Cassinelli, Maradona’s condition became worse in the days that followed his discharge.
"The deterioration was progressive... A warning could have been issued," he said.
The former Barcelona and Napoli star also endured what Cassinelli described as about 12 hours of agony before he died.
Maradona, one of football’s biggest names, had struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction for years.
The healthcare professionals facing trial deny responsibility for his death. They maintain that Maradona died from natural causes.
The court proceedings could continue beyond August.