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Comparison of diagnostic value of multidetector computed tomography and X-ray in the detection of body packing.
- Source :
-
European Journal of Radiology . Aug2013, Vol. 82 Issue 8, p1248-1254. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Objective: Radiologists and other clinicians are facing an increasing number of illegal drug-related medical conditions. We aimed to draw attention to this growing global problem and to highlight some of the important points related to diagnosis and follow-up of body packing. We compare the diagnostic performance of unenhanced multidetector CT (MDCT) and abdomen X-ray for the detection of drug-filled packets. Materials and methods: Sixty-seven suspects, who underwent both CT and X-ray examinations, have been included in the study. All MDCT and X-ray images were independently and retrospectively reviewed by two observers with different degrees of experience in abdomen imaging. Fifty-two of them were identified as body packers finally. Interobserver agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value were calculated. Results: Two types of packets with different characteristics were identified in all body packers. Type 1 packets (solid-state drug) were found in 41 patients and type 2 packets (liquid cocaine) in 11 patients. All statistical analyses concern the detection of any packets. That is, the whole evaluation has been performed per patient. Sensitivity/specificity values of type 1 and type 2 packets for MDCT were 100–98%/100–100% and 100–100%/100–100%, respectively. Besides, sensitivity/specificity values of type 1 and type 2 packets for X-ray were 93–90%/100–91% and 64–45%/73–71%, respectively. In addition, interobserver agreements for detection of any packets were excellent (κ =0.96) and good (κ =0.75) for interpretation of MDCT and X-ray, respectively. Conclusion: Unenhanced MDCT is a fast, accurate and easily used diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity for the exact diagnosis of body packing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0720048X
- Volume :
- 82
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- European Journal of Radiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 89134066
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.12.022