A pulmonary contusion is a trauma-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema without laceration.
A pulmonary contusion is a common and potentially fatal chest injury, which is caused by a substantial blunt or penetrating chest trauma. Patients may thus have associated rib fracture, pneumothorax, or other chest injuries. Larger bruises may affect the oxygen supply. Later complications include pneumonia, and sometimes acute respiratory distress syndrome.
A pulmonary contusion is a trauma-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema without laceration. A pulmonary contusion is a common and potentially fatal chest injury, which is caused by a substantial blunt or penetrating chest trauma. Patients may thus have associated rib fracture, pneumothorax, or other chest injuries. Larger bruises may affect the oxygen supply. Later complications include pneumonia, and sometimes acute respiratory distress syndrome. Symptoms include pain (v. A. For violation of the overlying chest wall) and sometimes wheezing. The chest wall is sensitive; other physical findings are those of accompanying injuries diagnostic imaging, typically chest X-ray Diagnosis should be suspected if shortness of breath develops after chest trauma, V. A. if the symptoms worsen gradually. It is typically performed a chest x-ray, along with pulse oximetry. Bruises cause clouding of the lung tissue affected on the radiograph, but the haze may not be evident for 24 to 48 hours, as this increases with time. A CT is very sensitive, but is usually done only if other injuries are also considered. Patients should be monitored for respiratory failure with serial clinical evaluation and pulse oximetry. If hypoxemia or respiratory distress are found Capnometry or ABG measurement are displayed. Therapy Supportive care with analgesics and O2 Sometimes mechanical ventilation analgesics are administered as needed to facilitate deep breathing. Supplementary O2 is added in mild hypoxia (SaO2 91 to 94%). Common indications for mechanical ventilation are moderate or severe hypoxemia (usually PaO 2 <65 SaO2 <90% while breathing room air) and hypercapnia. Patients with COPD or chronic kidney disease have an increased risk of the need for mechanical ventilation.