title: The body packer syndrome--cocaine smuggling in the gastro-intestinal tract.
abstract: Cocaine drug packets were found in the gastro-intestinal tract of seven persons, charged with and arrested for presumed drug smuggling. Plain abdominal roentgenograms were positive in 4, while computer tomography of the abdomen (CT-scan) was necessary in 3 others to make the diagnosis. There were no signs of acute intoxication or bowel obstruction. All patients were treated with enemas and/or laxatives in order to evacuate the hidden packets; no complications occurred. A clinical description of the seven cases is followed by a short review of the literature, mainly focused on the possible complications of ingested drug packets and possible methods of removal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care, University of Antwerp - University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Hartoko
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Demey
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: De Schepper
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Beaucourt
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Bossaert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine; D004064:Digestive System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003042:Cocaine