Bodypacker’s syndrome

A 53-year-old male was brought to the emergency department with disorientation and agitation. He had incoherent speech, flight of ideas, and hallucinations. Urine toxins were measured, and he tested positive for benzodiazepines and cocaine. He had a feverish peak, as well as progressive agitation, and therefore chest and abdominal X-rays were requested, with a finding of distension of the gastric chamber with multiple tubular images inside. An anteroposterior CT scan was performed (Figs. 1 and 2) and the patient was admitted for monitoring. Given the progressive worsening and symptoms of severe intoxication, an entity known as Bodypacker’s syndrome, an urgent laparotomy was required to remove drug bags.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Funding

Not applicable.

Conflict of interests

The authors have no conflict of interests to declare.