Chest Radiography Diagnosis of Pulmonary Contusion Is Associated With Increased Morbidity and Mortality

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to compare morbidity and mortality rates of patients with Chest Radiography (CXR) proven pulmonary contusion and normal CXR but pulmonary contusion on contrast Computed Tomography (CT). Methods: Cases were divided into two groups according to diagnosing method: CXR-proven (CXR-group) and CT-only diagnosed pulmonary contusion group (CT-group). Groups were compared for Injury Severity Score (ISS), Length Of Stay in Hospital (LOSH), length of stay in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) changes, andmorbidity and mortality rates. Results: Mean LOSH and LOSI were significantly longer (23.09 +/- 4.01 and 13.42 +/- 3.47) in CXR group than in the CT group (10.97 +/- 3.27 and 3.59 +/- 1.54). Mean ISS score was significantly higher in the CXR group (38.63 +/- 9.37) than in the CT group (22.74 +/- 18.00). Mean ABG results were significantly poorer in the CXR group than in the CT group. The percentage of the cases requiring mechanic ventilation was 54.5% in the CXR group. Morbidity and mortality rates were 45.4% and 27.7% in the CXR group and 10.8% and 4.3% in the CT group, respectively. Conclusion: Diagnosis of pulmonary contusion by CXR is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates.