The body packer syndrome--cocaine smuggling in the gastro-intestinal tract.
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.
Hartoko
T J
TJ
Department of Intensive Care, University of Antwerp - University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
Demey
H E
HE
De Schepper
A M
AM
Beaucourt
L E
LE
Bossaert
L L
LL
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
D003042:Cocaine