Radiological Profiles of Orbital Gunshot Injuries Sustained During the July 2024 Political Unrest and Mass Movement in Bangladesh: Experience at a National Referral Eye Hospital

Abstract

Background: Gunshot injuries are a form of penetrating trauma that requires prompt imaging assessment for both clinical management and forensic evaluation. The July Revolution in Bangladesh led to a surge in civilian gunshot injuries, including severe orbital trauma. Rifles, handguns, and shotguns were the most commonly used weapons, with shotgun injuries often causing more devastating damage due to the dispersion of pellets.

Objective: This study investigated the radiological findings, emergency interventions, and surgical outcomes of orbital gunshot injuries treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to December 2024. A total of 1,002 patients with gunshot injuries received treatment, among whom 786 required admission and radiological evaluation using X-rays and other imaging modalities. Of these, 612 patients had orbital injuries, including 573 single-eye injuries and 39 bilateral injuries.

Results: A total of 1,002 patients with gunshot injuries were treated, with 786 requiring admissions. Among the 612 patients with orbital injuries, 573 had single-eye injuries, and 39 had bilateral injuries. Radiological assessments showed that B-scan ultrasonography and X-ray were critical in identifying the injury extent. Surgical interventions included retinal surgery (63.9%) and globe repair (34.9%), with 73.0% of patients preserving their vision post-surgery.

Conclusion: Early intervention and multidisciplinary care significantly improve surgical outcomes, with a high proportion of patients preserving vision.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, July 2025;11(2):176-180