Detection of body packing by magnetic resonance imaging: a new diagnostic tool?

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. 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. 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. Abdominopelvic MRI is a reliable and valuable method of diagnosing body packing.