[Hemodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange in radiographically observed posttraumatic lung edema (author's transl)]

A prospective study of 46 multiple trauma patients was undertaken using standard intensive care techniques with special circulatory and respiratory monitoring. In 19 cases roentgenograms detected at least temporary pulmonary edema; only 3 of these patients sustained no discernible lung contusions. The hemodynamic data did not explain the pulmonary edema. Despite ventilatory support of all patients, pulmonary gas exchange was abnormal prior to radiological findings of pulmonary edema. The most significant explanation of the investigated data is early capillary leakage in the lung inducing an enlarged transit space at the interstitial site.