Abstract:

Abstract Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has led to serious changes in our health practices. With this study, we aim to determine the effect of the pandemic on imaging examinations in the Radiology department. Methods Medical records of patients who had radiological imaging between March 10-December 31, 2019 and March 10-December 31, 2020 have been retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ clinical features and radiological imaging details have been obtained by using the SARUS information network. Results A total of 603 384 radiologic examinations performed on 222 328 patients in the 18-month period for two consecutive years. The total imaging volume in 2020 had decreased by 54.8% compared to 2019 (415.819 vs 187.565). The decrease was observed especially in April and May 2020; was re-increased again in June 2020. The imaging volume requested from the emergency unit was reduced by 29.4%. The rate and number of thoracic imaging among all radiologic examinations was found to have increased in 2020 (6495, 1.6% vs. 8663, 4.6%). On the other hand; abdominal, breast, neuroradiology and cardiovascular imaging were the most affected by the pandemic. Conclusions Hospital admissions decreased due to the anxiety and restrictions that occurred as the result of the pandemic. Considering the hospital conditions, it is important to perform the necessary imaging procedures on patients within the indications to prevent a delay in diagnosis by considering the conditions of the hospital and providing the precautionary conditions recommended by the protective equipment and guidelines.