Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in pre-Columbian Chileans

Am J Phys Anthropol. 1978 Feb;48(2):209-13. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330480214.

Abstract

Two cases of gallbladder disease found in Chilean mummies are presented. The cholesterol gallstones in these cases produced in one individual a localized peritonitis and in the other a probable duct obstruction. No cases of this disease have been seen in Peruvian mummies while in Chile it seems quite common, suggesting some environmental factor in the etiology.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Chile
  • Cholecystitis / epidemiology
  • Cholecystitis / history*
  • Cholecystitis / pathology
  • Cholelithiasis / epidemiology
  • Cholelithiasis / history*
  • Cholelithiasis / pathology
  • Gallbladder / pathology
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Indians, South American / history*
  • Mummies
  • Peru