pulmonary contusion

Pathology

• injury to lung parenchyma, leading to edema & hemorrhage into alveolar spaces with loss of pulmonary function

Clinical manifestations

• chest pain, hypoxemia, hemoptysis
• signs of chest wall trauma such as bruising, rib fractures or flail chest
• manifestations generally resolve in 3-5 days

Laboratory

• pulse oximtery
• arterial blood gas

Radiology

• chest X-ray
• computed tomography of the thorax

Complications

• large contusions may compromise gas exchange & result in hypoxia over 24-48 hours
• acute respiratory distress syndrome
• pneumonia
• respiratory failure

Management

• treatment is supportive
  • maintain euvolemia
• most pulmonary contusions require no specific therapy
• oxygen for hypoxia
• endotracheal intubation & mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure

More general terms

• contusion (bruise)
• lung disease