Long-Term Prevalence of Disaster-Related Deep Vein Thrombosis in Minamiaso Village After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among evacuees in Minamiaso, a village which was temporarily isolated after the earthquakes, from the acute to recovery phase after the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes (GLIDE no: EQ-2016-000033-JPN). Methods: This prospective study, which was approved by Fukui University Medical Research Ethics Committee (approval no. 20160024 and 20160089), enrolled 181 evacuees (73.9 ± 11.6 y) who participated in a series of 3 DVT screenings using portable ultrasound machines conducted over 19 mo. All participants completed a questionnaire before the screenings, and none of the participants attended all 3 screenings. Data analysis was performed using EZR version 1.41. Results: The DVT prevalence was 14.3% (79.4 ± 8.2 y) at first screening of evacuees staying in shelters and 18.5% (71.5 ± 13.1 y) and 12.2% (72.8 ± 10.9 y) in second and third screenings of evacuees staying in temporary housing, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥75 y and alcohol consumption as independent risk factors in the entire cohort and in patients aged ≤74 y, respectively. Conclusions: A high DVT prevalence over a long time period of 19 mo was observed where survivors were temporarily isolated after the disaster.

Two cases of acute pulmonary artery embolism triggered by fresh and chronic mixed‐vein thrombosis with a “Blowfish sign”

“…Both the patients were subsequently diagnosed with Pulmonary embolism triggered by FCMVTs presenting the “Blowfish sign.” Although the fresh thrombi disappeared after anticoagulant therapy, few calcified thrombi remained. FCMVT has been commonly detected among residents of disaster zones using lower leg vein ultrasonography 1 . We termed the characteristic ultrasound image of FCMVTs that had a mixture of low‐brightness echoic thrombi and calcified thrombi as the “Blowfish sign.” 2 However, no studies have reported an association between FCMVTs showing the “Blowfish sign” and the development of acute pulmonary embolism has been reported.…”

“…FCMVT has been commonly detected among residents of disaster zones using lower leg vein ultrasonography. 1 We termed the characteristic ultrasound image of FCMVTs that had a mixture of low-brightness echoic thrombi and calcified thrombi as the "Blowfish sign." 2 However, no studies have reported an association between FCMVTs showing the "Blowfish sign" and the development of acute pulmonary embolism has been reported.…”