The face of hillbilly heroin and other images of narcotic abuse

W V Med J. 2010;106(4 Spec No):34-7.

Abstract

The nationally recognized popularity of recreational intranasal oxycodone abuse among rural Appalachians is apparent to West Virginian healthcare providers. Three recent cases of narcotic-induced injury at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital demonstrate the facial bone necrosis associated with "hillbilly heroin" abuse as well as other imaging features of narcotic-induced intracranial ischemia. This paper shows how diagnostic imaging may facilitate clinical evaluation of patients with narcotic abuse.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Diseases / etiology
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Facial Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • West Virginia
  • Young Adult