Sudden Cardiac Death of a Body Packer Due to Cocaine Cardiotoxicity

Clin Med Insights Pathol. 2016 Nov 24:9:33-35. doi: 10.4137/CPath.S41070. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

This article presents a case of sudden cardiac death due to the effects of cocaine concealed in the body of a male drug smuggler in his 40s, a so-called body packer. A total of 57 body packets filled with cocaine powder were discovered in his body cavities. The detailed autopsy examination, including histopathology and toxicology findings, is discussed with the aim of describing the mechanism of cocaine intoxication in the body packer and an analysis of cocaine-induced cardiotoxicity and sudden death.

Keywords: cocaine body packer; cocaine cardiotoxicity; forensic medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports