Radiologic Evaluation of the Llullaillaco Mummies

PREVIGLIANO, CARLOS; CONSTANZA CERUTI; JOHAN REINHARD, FACUNDO ARIAS ARAOZ Y JOSEFINA GONZALEZ DIEZ

American Journal of Roentgenology

American Roentgen Ray Society

Lugar: Atlanta; Año: 2003 p. 1473 - 1479

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the imaging findings in three 55-hundred-year-old frozen mummies of sacrificial Inca children. Materials and Methods: CT-scans, conventional radiography and dental radiography of Inca mummies were reviewed. Techniques were adjusted to the positions of the bodies. Working sessions were limited to 20 minutes to prevent thawing of the specimens. Results: Internal organs in good condition were shown on the CT scans. Both white and gray matter were observed in the brains of the mummies. Lungs were expanded in the three mummies. The ages of the children at death were estimated by dental and long-bone radiographs.  Bone mineralization, muscular volume and thickness of the adipose panniculus indicated the good nutritional state of the three individuals.