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| Gunshot Wound |
| Etiology • Bullets from a variety of guns. |
| Pathogenesis • Transmission of kinetic energy to tissue; force equals 1/2 the product of mass and velocity squared. • Injury depends on how much force is applied over how much area to what kind of tissue. • Energy from the bullet will be spread along its path, not just at the entry point, |
| Epidemiology • Epidemic problem in the U.S. with >30,000 deaths/annum • Particular problem in children (accidental deaths) and young adults (homicide) |
| 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 Correlation • Course dependent on size of vessel lacerated, other injuries, and the speed at which help is obtained. • Lung heals well if kept expanded. |
| References • Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. W.B. Saunders; Philadelphia. 1994. p. 399. • Pathology, 2nd edition: Rubin E, Farber JL (eds). Philadelphia, J.B. Lippincott, 1994, pp. 318-319. |
| Gunshot Wound |
| Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T28000E94710)[138] |
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