Contusion Progression Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review of Clinical and Radiological Predictors, and Influence on Outcome

Secondary injuries remain an important cause of the morbidity and mortality associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Progression of cerebral contusions occurs in up to 75% of patients with TBI, and this contributes to subsequent clinical deterioration and requirement for surgical intervention. Despite this, the role of early clinical and radiological factors in predicting contusion progression remains relatively poorly defined due to studies investigating progression of all types of hemorrhagic injuries as a combined cohort. In this review, we summarize data from recent studies on factors which predict contusion progression, and the effect of contusion progression on clinical outcomes.

Automated summary

Secondary injuries play a significant role in the morbidity and mortality of patients with traumatic brain injury. The progression of cerebral contusions can lead to clinical deterioration and the need for surgical intervention, but predicting this progression remains challenging. Recent studies have focused on identifying factors that can help predict contusion progression and its impact on clinical outcomes.