Maradona's doctors overlooked a warning sign regarding his kidneys

San Isidro, Argentina (AFP) – A kidney specialist testified before a court on Tuesday that the chronic kidney failure suffered by the late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona should have served as a warning sign for his doctors.

Hernan Trimarchi, a nephrologist, told a court near Buenos Aires that is trying Maradona’s medical team on charges of criminal negligence, that the player, who died at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot, was suffering from “chronic kidney disease.”

The 1986 World Cup star died on November 25, 2020, from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema—a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs—at a rented house in the Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre.

Seven healthcare workers, including his personal physician, his psychiatrist, and nursing staff members, are accused of providing extremely substandard care.

The court is also examining whether the decision to allow him to recover in a private residence rather than a medical facility endangered his life.

Trimarchi stated that the player’s kidneys were enlarged and contained lesions linked to a history of obesity, cocaine use, and high blood pressure.

He noted that there was no record proving that any blood tests were conducted during his two-week recovery period.

The defendants, who face penalties of up to 25 years in prison if convicted, deny responsibility for the sports icon’s death.

The trial is expected to continue at least until September.