Comparison of diagnostic value of multidetector computed tomography and X-ray in the detection of body packing

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.