Clinical Characteristics of Pulmonary Contusion in Trauma Patients and Determinants of Mortality: A Retrospective Analysis

Pulmonary contusions are reported in 17-75% of blunt chest trauma cases and are considered an independent risk factor for mortality (5,6).Pathologies accompanying pulmonary contusion, such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, and hemothorax, increase morbidity and the need for invasive interventions (4).Additionally, the development of complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the main factors that worsen the clinical course and increase mortality (7).Nevertheless, the clinical course of pulmonary contusion