"Both plain film and US can be used for assessment but non-contrast CT is the most effective at detection 1,8,9."
"US can be useful in younger patients, especially in pregnant women. Appearances vary depending on the exact method of concealment, but are morphologically similar to those on CT."
"In a study of 50 patients, Meijar and Bots demonstrated US was able to correctly identify the presence or absence of packets in 47 cases with a positive predictive value of 97.5% 11."
"Body packing refers to the internal concealment of drugs within the gastrointestinal tract or other orifices. People who do this may be called body packers, (drug) mules, stuffers, couriers or swallowers. Drugs may be concealed within condoms, foil, latex or cellophane."
"Body packing refers to the internal concealment of drugs within the gastrointestinal tract or other orifices. People who do this may be called body packers, (drug) mules, stuffers, couriers or swallowers. Drugs may be concealed within condoms, foil, latex or cellophane."
"In a study of 50 patients, Meijar and Bots demonstrated US was able to correctly identify the presence or absence of packets in 47 cases with a positive predictive value of 97.5% 11."
"However, radiographs and CT have the advantage of also being able to evaluate for associated complications of gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation and are less limited by visceral gas."
"There is a tendency for most presenting patients to be young, with an average age ~30 years, and 80% are male 5."