Multidetector computed tomography findings in patients with abdominal crush trauma due to Kahramanmaraş centered earthquakes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of abdominal crush injuries using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in survivors of earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş. Materials and Methods: Retrospective evaluation was conducted on 255 patients who sustained injuries due to an earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş and were treated at our hospital. Patients clinically suspected of having abdominal crush trauma underwent MDCT examinations. The presence of abdominal wall injuries, solid organ injuries, free fluid in the abdomen, pneumoperitoneum, and subcutaneous emphysema findings were examined. Results: The median time between injury and MDCT examination was 3 days, ranging from 4 hours to 8 days. Among pediatric and adult age groups, males constituted 42.6% (52/122) and 47.4% (63/133), while females were 57.4% (70/122) and 52.6% (70/133), respectively. The mortality rates for pediatric and adult age groups were 0.4% (1/122) and 4.3% (11/133), respectively. Among patients with fatal outcomes, rates of acute kidney injury, subcutaneous emphysema, spleen injuries, and renal/perirenal injuries were 8.3% (1/12), liver and abdominal wall injuries were 16.7% (2/12), and free fluid in the abdomen was observed at a rate of 33.3% (4/12). Conclusion: Abdominal wall injuries were the most frequently observed manifestations of crush injuries, with renal/perirenal injuries being the most common among solid organs, and liver injuries being commonly seen among intraperitoneal organs. These findings underscore important characteristics of abdominal crush trauma related to earthquakes.