Earthquake radiology

Abstract

Purpose: To show the spectrum of patients a radiology department of an unaffected backup hospital may be faced with after a massive disaster like the earthquake of 17.8.1999 in the north western province of Turkey. Problems that had arisen during the increased work load at the emergency radiology department were also noted in order to make necessary improvements and modifıcations. Methods: Medical records of 284 patients who were transferred to our university hospital following the devastating Marmara earthquake have been reviewed. All types of radiological examinations were noted and classifled Demonstrative cases were selected. Results: Plain radiography was the most frequently used technique because most of the patients had multiple traumas (314 films in 174 cases). Different types of appendicular skeletal fractures and crush injuries were seen. Ultrasonography was mostly used for patients with blunt abdominal trauma. in seven cases, kidney changes secondary to acute tubular necrosis resulting from massive crush injury were noted. Cranial and vertebral column examinations were the two major computed tomographic examinations. Use of MRI or angiography was infrequent and did not increase the normal workload of these departments. Conclusion: Due to the acute increase in work load and change in the spectrum of patients in a catastrophic disaster even in a remote hospital, all radiology departments should have a well planned disaster response mechanism. Radiologists specialised in trauma and emergency radiology should be readily available.