Introduction

• Lung contusion with hemorrhage and alveolar and interstitial edema Lung: pulmonary edema.
• Cause: blunt trauma.
• Signs: depend on severity; commonly dyspnea, tachypnea, harsh adventitious breath sounds.
• Diagnosis: clinical signs and radiology.
• Treatment: supportive, cage rest, unless hemothorax or rib fractures.
• Prognosis: guarded if hemoptysis.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Blunt trauma.

Pathophysiology

• Bruising of the lung with consequent hemorrhage and edema of the alveoli and interstitial spaces.
• Occurs as a result of blunt trauma and is sometimes associated with rib fractures.

• Respiratory signs develop from ventilation-perfusion abnormalities Ventilation-perfusion mismatching as alveoli become filled with fluid or collapse. Cardiovascular shock Shock: cardiogenic , pain, pneumothorax Pneumothorax , hemothorax Hemothorax , rib fractures, diaphragmatic hernias Diaphragm: traumatic hernia , and traumatic myocarditis Heart: myocarditis may also occur.

Timecourse

• Acute or subacute. (Note that deterioration may occur for up to 24 hours following the traumatic incident.)

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes