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[Diagnostic imaging of "body packers"]
K Ichikawa1, N Tajima, H Tajima
1Department of Radiology, Nippon Medical School.
Nihon Igaku Hoshasen Gakkai Zasshi. Nippon Acta Radiologica
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Radiological imaging, including plain radiography, CT, and ultrasound, aids in diagnosing body packers. Specific signs like the "double condom sign" help identify cannabis and cocaine packages, while heroin may appear as obscure shadows.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Forensic Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Drug smuggling via intra-abdominal concealment, or body packing, is a growing concern.
- Prompt radiological diagnosis of body packers is crucial due to risks of fatal intoxication and adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the imaging characteristics of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin packages in body packers.
- To assess the diagnostic value of plain abdominal radiography, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of imaging data from twenty-three body packers.
- Review of plain abdominal radiography, CT, and US images.
- Correlation of imaging findings with drug types (cannabis, cocaine, heroin).
Main Results:
- Cannabis and cocaine packages appeared as well-demarcated, rectangular, high-density shadows with a "double condom sign" on radiography and CT.
- Heroin packages presented as obscure shadows, often mistaken for stool on plain radiographs.
- Ultrasound identified cannabis packages as round echogenic structures with dorsal echo extinctions in one case.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal plain radiography and CT are valuable for diagnosing body packers, particularly for cannabis and cocaine.
- Ultrasound can be a useful alternative imaging modality.
- Radiological assessment is essential for the timely identification of intra-abdominal drug concealment.