Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
06:45
Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous thromboembolism in earthquake victims
1Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan. inouek@m.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Summary
Sudden deaths from pulmonary embolism occurred after an earthquake due to immobility in cars. This highlights the need for preventive measures for displaced individuals to mitigate venous thromboembolism risks.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a serious condition, but its association with natural disasters like earthquakes has not been previously documented.
- This case report details a sudden death due to PTE in a patient who evacuated her home following a major earthquake.
Observation:
- The patient, along with other evacuees, spent multiple nights in a car due to lack of adequate shelter.
- A cluster of eight individuals treated for PTE were identified among those living in cars post-earthquake.
Findings:
- Immobility resulting from living in vehicles after displacement is identified as a significant risk factor for developing venous thromboembolism.
- The temporal association between the earthquake, car confinement, and PTE cases suggests a causal link.
Implications:
- There is an urgent need to recognize prolonged immobility in makeshift shelters as a critical risk factor for PTE.
- Public health strategies should incorporate preventive measures for displaced populations, including accessible temporary housing, awareness campaigns, and the provision of compression stockings.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...