Ní Chróinín, D and Gaine, S (2012) Crack-ing the case: a patient with persistent delirium due to body packing with cocaine. Irish Medical Journal, 105, (4), pp. 118-119.
External website: http://archive.imj.ie//ViewArticleDetails.aspx?Art...
A 36-year-old male presented acutely with encephalopathy, following his return to Ireland from a visit to West Africa. Clinical findings included confusion, agitation and tonic-clonic seizures. Difficulties in weaning sedation prompted repeat urine toxicology screening at day 8, which was positive for cocaine. Work-up for a source of continued cocaine exposure led to the discovery of cocaine-containing packages in the gastrointestinal tract. An index of suspicion should be maintained in patients presenting with drug toxicity following cross-border travel.
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
G Health and disease > State of health > Physical health
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Patient / client care management
MM-MO Crime and law > Substance related offence > Drug offence > Illegal transportation of drugs (smuggling / trafficking)
A Substance use and dependence > Effects or consequences
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