Pulmonary contusion. Pathogenesis and effect of various resuscitative measures

Pulmonary contusion (PC) was induced in anesthetized dogs by firing a .38 caliber blank cartridge against the chest wall. Studies of blood gases, lesion size, lung weight, and microscopical appearance were performed. Various forms of therapy which are commonly used in trauma victims were evaluated. The following conclusions were reached: untreated PC is not progressive; mechanical ventilation and furosemide therapy decrease the severity of the pulmonary lesion; administration of low-molecular-weight dextran and lactated Ringer's solution increases the anatomical and physiological lesion; and central venous pressure is not an accurate index of crystalloid overload. The contused lung is very sensitive to administration of noncolloid fluids.