A pulmonary contusion is an injury to the lung parenchyma resulting in hemorrhage and edema. It can be caused by blunt or penetrating trauma, and often occurs during a motor vehicle collision. Patients present with chest pain, tachypnea, and hypoxia. Severe contusions may cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pulmonary edema, even in the contralateral lung, often develops during fluid resuscitation after an injury.

Pulmonary contusions are associated with a high mortality and morbidity, with risk of ARDS increasing as the size of the contusion grows. Mechanical ventilation and pain control are often needed to treat pulmonary contusions.