Unusual Foreign Bodies in Bowel

Abstract

History A 19-year-old man was brought into the emergency department in a stuporous state. Shortly after arrival, he had a grand mal seizure and vomited several times. He was admitted for observation. Examination showed a lethargic, sweating young man with slight abdominal tenderness and guarding. There were no other abnormal physical findings. Laboratory tests showed a moderate polymorphonuclear leukocytosis. There were decreased amplitude of T waves in all electrocardiographic leads and prominent U waves. A chest roentgenogram was normal. Blood gases indicated respiratory alkalosis. Ventilatory assistance was required during his ten-day hospital stay, during which time evidence of a respiratory infection developed, which cleared promptly on treatment. An abdominal roentgenogram (Figure) was taken on admission. Diagnosis Cocaine bags in the colon. Comment Multiple oval soft-tissue densities, each highlighted by a gas halo, are visible along the course of the colon and elsewhere in the abdomen in the Figure. These are