Alexandra Platon MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Christoph D. Becker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Perneger, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Pierre-Alexandre Alois Poletti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Illegal intra-corporeal cocaine containers (packets) which appear isodense to the bowel content at low-dose CT may remain undetected at abdominal radiograph. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the parameters that may influence the density of intra-corporeal illegal cocaine containers at low-dose CT examination.

All suspects of conveying intracorporeal illegal containers have been examined by low-dose CT. For each positive case, the weight (g), the percentage of cocaine (%), and the chemical content of the cutting agents of the containers were obtained by chemical analysis; the mean radiologic density (HU) and the volume (cm3) of containers were measured at low-dose CT. The bulk density (g/cm3), used as an indicator of container compaction, was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the parameters associated with the hyperdense aspect of packets, defined as a density higher than 40HU; this threshold corresponds to the mean density of the intestinal content.

Forty-six conveyors were included. Packets were isodense (< 40HU) in 13(28%) conveyors, hyperdense (> 40HU) in 33(72%). The radiologic density had a mean of 118.5 HU (range -85 to 327), bulk density had a mean of 1.00 g/cm3 (range 0.51 to 1.77), and cocaine content had a mean of 44.2% (range 14.0 to 79.5). At univariate analysis, two parameters were associated with the hyperdense aspect of the packets: bulk density higher than 0.9 g/cm3 (p<0.001) and cocaine content higher than 50% (p = 0.027). None of the cutting agent did influence the density. At multivariate analysis, only the bulk density remained discriminating (p=0.001).

A bulk density more than 0.9 g/cm3 is the only parameter significantly associated with hyperdensity of the packets.

Radiodensity of intracorporeal cocaine containers  depends mainly on compaction and not on chemical content; this observation may explain containers’ radiological appearance.

Platon, A, Becker, C, Perneger, T, Poletti, P, Illegal Intracorporeal Cocaine Containers: Factors Influencing the Density at Low-dose CT Examination.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14016996.html