Citation

Izci Y, Kayali H, Daneyemez M, Koksel T. Emerg. Med. J. 2005; 22(6): 409-410.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/emj.2004.014704

PMID

15911946

PMCID

PMC1726796

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare, using a retrospective clinical study, the clinical outcomes of penetrating craniocerebral gunshot wounds (PCGW) with respect to the trajectory of penetration in the axial plane.
METHODS: In total, 22 patients with PCGW caused by conflict, suicide attempt, or accidental firing were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: anteroposterior and lateral. All patients underwent surgical treatment following emergency intervention.
RESULTS: Of the 22 patients, 16 had anteroposterior and 6 had lateral penetrating injury. Four patients with anteroposterior and five patients with lateral injury died despite surgical treatment. Mortality rate was 25% in the anteroposterior and 83% in the lateral injury group.
CONCLUSION: We found that lateral PCGW is the most devastating type of missile injury to the head.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Emergencies; Glasgow Coma Scale; Head Injuries, Penetrating; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Wounds, Gunshot