Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears

Witness Carlos Cassinelli testified during the trial examining Argentine football legend Diego Maradona's death that several warning signs were overlooked before his demise in 2020. The World Cup winner passed away due to heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema, two weeks after undergoing surgery. Cassinelli, a forensic doctor, pointed out oedema in Maradona's lower limbs, swelling in his fingers, shortness of breath, hypertension, and an abnormally rapid heart rate.

He emphasized that the medical team did not investigate the cause of the swelling, which could have posed a life-threatening risk. Cassinelli, part of a medical board assessing Maradona's health, believes these warning signs were disregarded because the doctors' approach remained unchanged. He also considered home hospitalization to be a mistake.

Maradona's condition worsened following his release from the hospital; the deterioration was progressive, and a warning could have been issued, according to Cassinelli. The former footballer experienced around 12 hours of intense agony before succumbing to his injuries. The defendants deny any responsibility for the retired superstar's death, claiming he succumbed to natural causes due to his long-standing struggles with cocaine and alcohol addictions. The trial could potentially extend into August.