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Purpose: In this study, we aimed to describe non-contrast abdominal MRI findings in body packers and emphasize the role of this imaging technique in diagnosis of body packing. Materials and methods: Non-contrast abdominopelvic MRI was performed at the radiology department in 16 suspected body packers that were brought to our hospital, and 13 of them were diagnosed with body packing. We evaluated the presence, location, and shapes of packets as well as signal characteristics on T1- and T2-weighted images. Results: We came across two types of packets: those containing solid substances (10 cases) and those filled with liquid cocaine (3 cases). Both types were accurately diagnosed with the help of MRI. Only 1 suspected body packer received a false positive diagnosis. Conclusion: Abdominopelvic MRI is a reliable and valuable method of diagnosing body packing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report our experience in diagnosis of the opium body packers with CT scan. Materials and Methods: For 12 cases who confessed to opium packet ingestion, we did an abdominal and pelvic CT scan without contrast and evaluated the presence, number and location of opium packets and also measured the density of packets in Hounsfield unit (HU). Results: Mean age of our cases was 28.2 +/- 5.9 years (ranging 17-35 years). Eleven (91.6%) patients were male and only one case was female. In all patients, the packets were visualized in gastrointestinal (GI) lumen by CT scan. The mean of minimum HU was 163.8 +/- 19.6 and its maximum was 205.3 +/- 32.8. We had mortality in an 18-year-old female due to opium overdose. Conclusion: CT scan could be a suitable imaging modality in identifying opium packets, similar to that reported for cocaine and heroin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]