Cocaine intoxication, delirium, and death in a body packer

Ann Emerg Med. 1981 Oct;10(10):531-2. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(81)80010-8.

Abstract

The authors described a case of emergency department of presentation of acute cocaine delirium in a cocaine "body packer," ie, an individual who attempted to smuggle cocaine by intracorporeal means. Treatment for cocaine intoxication was not initiated because of patient gave a false history; did not present with seizures, stupor or coma; had no deterioration in vital signs until late in the presentation; and presented with apparent psychiatric symptomatology, ie, delirium. Delirium should be treated by first identifying its cause and by attempting to remove the cause by appropriate medical and surgical techniques.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine / poisoning*
  • Delirium / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Cocaine