Imaging of illicit drug use

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Toxicology

Background:

• Illicit drug abuse poses a significant public health crisis with widespread medical and social ramifications.
• Clinical diagnosis of drug abuse is frequently complicated by limited or absent patient history.
• Recognizing the diverse and potentially severe manifestations of drug abuse is essential for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the varied imaging presentations associated with illicit drug abuse across multiple organ systems.
• To highlight the pathophysiological consequences of drug abuse evident on medical imaging.
• To emphasize the importance of radiologist awareness for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of imaging findings in illicit drug abuse.
• Compilation of diverse case examples illustrating organ system involvement.
• Discussion of the underlying pathophysiology linked to imaging findings.

Main Results:

• Illicit drug abuse manifests with a wide spectrum of imaging findings affecting various organs.
• Imaging can reveal acute and chronic complications, some of which are life-threatening.
• Pathophysiological changes due to drug abuse are directly visualized through medical imaging.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists must be knowledgeable about the imaging spectrum of illicit drug abuse.
• Accurate interpretation of imaging findings aids in the diagnosis and management of drug abuse complications.
• Enhanced radiologist awareness contributes to improved patient outcomes through timely and appropriate treatment.