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[Sonography for intracorporeal drug smuggling]
W Sauer1, A Freislederer, M Graw
1Institut für Gerichtliche Medizin, Universität Tübingen.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Ultrasonography can detect swallowed drug packets (body-packs) using a specific echo pattern. This imaging technique is recommended for screening suspected drug smugglers, with most packets found in the stomach.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Radiology
Context:
- Intracorporeal drug smuggling poses a significant challenge.
- Accurate detection methods are crucial for law enforcement and public health.
Purpose:
- To assess the efficacy of ultrasonography in detecting swallowed drug packets (body-packs).
- To establish diagnostic criteria for identifying body-packs using ultrasound.
Summary:
- Diagnostic criteria for body-packs were established using ultrasound in a water bath, identifying a sickle-shaped echo with dorsal echo deficit.
- In vivo, this sign detected 23 of 40 body-packs in 8 out of 10 volunteers, primarily within the stomach.
- Most body-packs were located in the stomach within 3-17 hours post-ingestion, with limited detection in the intestines.
Impact:
- Ultrasonography demonstrates potential as a non-invasive tool for detecting intracorporeal drug packets.
- The findings support the recommendation for extensive ultrasound screening of suspected smugglers.