Pulmonary contusion

Background

  • Direct injury to lung resulting in hemorrhage and edema in absence of lung laceration
  • Flail chest almost always associated with contusion

Clinical Features


Differential Diagnosis

Thoracic Trauma

Pulmonary Edema Types

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure <18 mmHg differentiates noncardiogenic from cardiogenic pulmonary edema[1]

Evaluation

CXR showing right-sided pulmonary contusion, associated with rib fractures and subcutaneous emphysema.
Chest CT showing a pulmonary contusion (red arrow) accompanied by rib fracture (blue arrow).
  • Areas of lung opacification on chest imaging within 6hr of blunt trauma is diagnostic
  • CXR
    • Patchy irregular infiltrates
  • CT
    • Ground-glass opacities in mild-moderate contusions, widespread consolidation if severe
    • May pick up 70% of contusions not seen on CXR
    • Contusion >20% of lung volume associated with 80% risk of developing ARDS

Management

  • Ensure adequate ventilation
    • Analgesia
    • Ventilatory Assistance
      • Patients with >25% of lung involvement frequently require ventilatory assistance
      • NIV may be tried
      • Intubate if NIV fails
        • Low tidal volume, high PEEP
  • Avoid unnecessary fluid administration

Disposition

See Also

References

  1. Clark SB, Soos MP. Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; October 1, 2020.