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Gunshot Wound to the Lung

Etiology: • Trauma

Pathogenesis: • Direct laceration of tissue

Epidemiology: • Trauma most common cause of death in African-American men age 16-44 years and major cause of injury in all men in that age group.

General Gross Description: • Entrance wound characteristically small and round if no deflection by rib. • Disruption of the tissue with hemorrhage. • Exit wounds much larger with more ragged edges.

General Microscopic Description: • Disruption of parenchyma • Intralveolar hemorrhage

Clinical Correlations: • Course dependent on size of vessel lacerated, other injuries, and the speed at which help is obtained. • Lung heals well if kept expanded.

References: