Imaging Features of Blast Lung Injury / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose Blast lung injury is severe, and is the main causes of death in explosion. This paper aims to explore the imaging features of blast lung injury, and to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and care. Materials and Methods The clinical data of 37 patients with primary blast lung injury stricken in the 8.2 Kunshan explosion in 2014 were retrospectively studied, with regard to the degree of burn, area, auxiliary emergency treatment and medical history. The imaging manifestations of X-ray and/or CT were also analyzed. Results ① The X-ray and/or CT findings of chest showed that 6 cases (16.2%) presented no obvious abnormality of lung parenchyma, 14 cases (37.8%) manifested increase of lung markings and spot-like clouding opacity, 6 cases (16.2%) presented ground glass opacity, 7 cases (18.9%) manifested patchy shadow, 4 cases (10.8%) showed diffuse consolidation. 6 cases (16.2%) with pleural effusion, 6 cases (16.2%) complicated with pneumothorax and hydropneumothorax, 4 cases (10.8%) with enlarged podoid and pericardial effusion, 2 cases (5.4%) with mediastinal hematoma, 9 cases (24.3%) with rib fracture. The positive rate of X-ray film inspection was 72.2% (13/18), yet that of CT reached 92.9% (13/14). ② Five patients who had not been seen obvious abnormal in emergency lung examination appeared mottling shadows or flake fuzzy shadows in the examination on the second day; 9 cases with aggravated symptoms and infection signs displayed relieved signs, expanded or changed primary lesions. Conclusion Imaging examination is an important tool in the diagnosis of primary blast lung injury. CT is superior to X-ray film on the detection of lesions; therefore, CT examination on chest should be carried out as soon as possible if conditions are allowed.