Head injuries complicated by chest trauma. A review of 50 consecutive patients.

The authors analysed the results of treatment of 50 head-injured patients who had concomitant chest injuries. The study revealed a high mortality rate (80%) in cases of severe brain injury and acute intracranial haematoma in combination with contusion of lung parenchyma. The prognosis worsens with the severity of the pulmonary injury and is especially bad in cases with a need for ventilatory support. We conclude that new and more effective treatment modalities are necessary to reduce the mortality in these patients.