Reports: Pavarotti's Condition Worsens

Source: AP

ROME - Luciano Pavarotti's health has deteriorated and the tenor was in very serious condition, suffering kidney problems and losing consciousness, a local Italian TV station reported Wednesday.

Tenor Luciano Pavarotti sings during a concert marking the 40th anniversary of his debut, in his native town of Modena, central Italy, in this April 29, 2001 file photo. [AP]

Television station E' TV Antenna-1 in Modena reported that the 71-year-old tenor, who has pancreatic cancer, had lost consciousness and was suffering from kidney problems at the Modena home where he has been recovering following a hospital stay.

The ANSA news agency, citing medical sources, said Pavarotti was believed to have lost consciousness for brief moments in recent days. The AGI news agency said Pavarotti was in "very serious condition." It didn't name its sources.

Modena hospital spokesman Alberto Greco confirmed Pavarotti was at home, but said he had no further information.

Pavarotti's manager, Terri Robson, did not deny the reports; an associate answering Robson's phone said she had no comment.

Pavarotti was released from the hospital August 25, more than two weeks after he was admitted with a high fever. At the time, Robson denied Italian news reports that he had been treated for pneumonia.

The opera star had surgery for the cancer in July 2006 in a New York hospital.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of the disease, though doctors said the surgery offered improved hopes for survival.

At the time of the operation, Pavarotti had been preparing to resume his farewell tour. He has made no public appearances since then.

Editor: Jessie Hwang