Pulmonary contusion

What are pulmonary contusions?

Injuries of the lung parenchyma with hemorrhage and edema without associated laceration

Pulmonary contusions are the most frequent intrathoracic injuries in what type of trauma?

Non penetrating chest trauma

What is the most common complication of pulmonary contusion?

Pneumonia

During initial trauma pulmonary contusions is often what?

Silent

What is the most important sign of pulmonary contusion?

Hypoxia

Degree hypoxia directly correlates with what?

Size of contusion

What labs/imagining for pulmonary contusion?

CXR

Due to ongoing hemorrhage and edema radiograph evidence of contusion is usually apparent within how long?

6 hours

What may provide good information on size of contusion?

Thoracic CT

What is essential to preventing long term complications?

Early recognition and treatment

What is the mainstay treatment for pulmonary contusion?

Supportive care

Treatment for pulmonary contusion

Careful IV use

O2

Chest physiotherapy

treatment for severe pulmonary contusion?

Mechanical ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure

Disposition for pulmonary contusion?

MEDEVAC