Publikation

Body packing: from seizures to laparotomy

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 26.03.2015

Bereiche
PubMed
DOI

Zitation
Janczak J, Beutner U, Hasler K. Body packing: from seizures to laparotomy. Case Rep Emerg Med 2015; 2015:208047.
Art
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review (Englisch)
Zeitschrift
Case Rep Emerg Med 2015; 2015
Veröffentlichungsdatum
26.03.2015
ISSN (Druck)
2090-648X
Seiten
208047
Kurzbeschreibung/Zielsetzung

Body packing is a common method for illegal drug trafficking. Complications associated with body packing can be severe and even lead to rapid death. Thus, a timely diagnosis is warranted. As most body packers initially do not show any symptoms, making a correct diagnosis can be rather challenging. We describe a case of a 41-year-old male, who was admitted with an epileptic seizure and who turned out to be a cocaine intoxicated body packer. Due to neurological and cardiovascular deterioration an emergency surgery was performed. Four bags of cocaine could be removed. We discuss the current management regimen in symptomatic and asymptomatic body packers and highlight pearls and pitfalls with diagnosis and treatment.