Pulmonary contusion: a collective review.

Pulmonary contusion is the most common injury identified in blunt chest trauma. Despite improvements in diagnostic imaging and critical care, the associated mortality has not appreciably changed over the last three decades. Parenchymal injury ultimately manifests as alveolar collapse and lung consolidation. Early detection and intervention toward minimizing injury progression provides the greatest chance for survival. Avoiding fluid overload, oxygen therapy, and a low threshold for mechanical ventilation are useful therapeutic guidelines. Complications include pneumonia and adult respiratory distress syndrome, which may occur in up to one half of all cases. Pulmonary contusion is a serious injury that may complicate patient management as well as pose a vital threat.