Case of the day

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Docxter said:
Classic drug smuggler's rolls in GI tract. DDx: Heroin or cocaine. Can't tell on X-ray.
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Is this commonly seen by radiologists? Is it even taught in residency programs or textbooks?

I'm surprised you knew the answer. But then again, I'm sure you've seen the damnedest things show up on scans (ie, sex toys which are stuck, etc.)
 
fedor said:
Is this commonly seen by radiologists? Is it even taught in residency programs or textbooks?
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No. But if you see one, you'll never forget it. But you do see the wierdest objects in the abdomen in patients on the psych wards. Actually another differential diagnosis is the habitual "rock-eater", though they would be denser on x-ray.

I'm surprised you knew the answer. But then again, I'm sure you've seen the damnedest things show up on scans (ie, sex toys which are stuck, etc.)
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Yes, seen quite a few of those too. The worst one belong to a regular customer of one of our affiliated hospital. She was a "entertainer" who as part of her routine, inserted bottles into her anus. It was no so infrequest that the bottles would break, partly inside her, hence the hospital frequent flyer miles.
 
Actually, my suspicion is that radiologists would refer to this film as an "Aunt Minnie." Is there anything else on the differential other than drug ingestion?

Even an emergency physician could probably get this finding (just kidding).

And it dosen't surprise me that Docxter knew the answer.
 
Dr. Cuts said:
I knew it too... from having seen Maria Full of Grace... good movie.
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:laugh: Yeah, that's probably where I first saw a film like this also. Good movie, but gritty, not one that I would want to watch over and over. 👍
 
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