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Swallowed opium packets: CT diagnosis
Morteza Sanei Taheri1, Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam, Shirin Birang
1Radiology Department, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran. saneim@yahoo.com
Abdominal Imaging
|July 5, 2007
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) scans effectively identify opium packets in the gastrointestinal tract for body packers. This imaging technique aids in diagnosing individuals who ingest illicit substances.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Forensic Radiology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Body packing of illicit substances, including opium, poses significant diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate identification of ingested packets is crucial for patient management and forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of computed tomography (CT) scans in diagnosing opium body packers.
- To report the imaging characteristics of opium packets detected via CT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 cases of confessed opium body packers.
- Abdominal and pelvic CT scans without contrast were performed.
- Evaluation included packet presence, number, location, and density (Hounsfield units).
Main Results:
- Opium packets were visualized in the gastrointestinal lumen in all 12 patients.
- Mean minimum Hounsfield unit (HU) was 163.8 ± 19.6; mean maximum HU was 205.3 ± 32.8.
- One case resulted in mortality due to opium overdose in an 18-year-old female.
Conclusions:
- CT scan is a suitable imaging modality for detecting opium packets in body packers.
- The findings are comparable to those reported for cocaine and heroin body packing.
- CT imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of substance smugglers.
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