Multi-slice spiral CT features of crush pulmonary parenchymal injuries in the massive Wenchuan earthquake

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) features of crush pulmonary parenchymal injuries in the massive Wenchuan earthquake. Methods One hundred and seventeen patients with crush pulmonary parenchymal injuries in the massive Wenchuan earthquake were reviewed, the location, extent and MSCT appearances of the injuries and associated thoracic injuries were evaluated. The MSCT appearances of the injuries on 1 d, 2--5 d and 6--14 d were compared using Chi-square test. Results One hundred and thirteen patients had pulmonary contusion and bilaterally in 70 cases, 7 had pulmonary laceration. A total of two hundreds and eighty-three lung lobes were involved and 3 or more lobes involved in 47 patients. Ill-defined patchy opacity was detected in 75 patients, associated ground-glass opacity (GGO) in 24 cases. Lung laceration presented as pneumatocele in 4 cases and demarcated hematoma in 3 cases. Coexisted rib fractures were detected in 98 patients and flail chests were in 29 patients. Forty-three patients had coexisted fractures of scapula, clavicle and (or) sternum. Ninety-nine patients had coexisted pleural injuries. Conclusions Crush pulmonary parenchymal injuries in the Wenchuan earthquake are severe. The bilateral, multifocal and multiple lobes involved injuries with a high incidence of coexisted other severe thoracic injuries are the noticeable features. Key words: Thoracic injuries; Tomography,X-ray computed