Imaging of drug smuggling by body packing

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2014 Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI Author(s): Giacomo Sica , Franco Guida , Giorgio Bocchini , Francesco Iaselli , Isabella Iadevito , Mariano Scaglione Body packing, pushing and stuffing are hazardous practices with complex medico-legal and social implications. Radiologist plays both a social and medico-legal role and its assessment should not be limited only to the identification of the packages but must provide accurate information about their number and their exact location in order to prevent any package remains in body packer. Radiologist must also be able to recognize the complications associated with these risky practices. Imaging assessment of body packing is performed essentially through plain abdominal X-ray and computed tomography. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, although with some advantages, actually have a limited use.
Source: Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI - Category: Radiology Source Type: research