Which organ is considered the primary site of blast-induced pulmonary injury?

Which organ is considered the primary site of blast-induced pulmonary injury?

• A. Brain
• B. Stomach
• C. Heart
• D. Lungs

Answer: (D)

The lungs. The initial overpressure from a blast most directly affects gas-filled organs, and the lungs are particularly vulnerable because of their large alveolar surface and delicate tissue. The rapid compression and expansion during the pressure wave can rupture alveolar walls, cause pulmonary contusion, and lead to air leaks such as pneumothorax or mediastinal emphysema. While other organs like the brain, stomach, or heart can be injured by blasts, their injuries are more often due to secondary (shrapnel) or tertiary (body displacement) effects or different injury mechanisms, not the primary overpressure injury to the lungs.

The lungs. The initial overpressure from a blast most directly affects gas-filled organs, and the lungs are particularly vulnerable because of their large alveolar surface and delicate tissue. The rapid compression and expansion during the pressure wave can rupture alveolar walls, cause pulmonary contusion, and lead to air leaks such as pneumothorax or mediastinal emphysema. While other organs like the brain, stomach, or heart can be injured by blasts, their injuries are more often due to secondary (shrapnel) or tertiary (body displacement) effects or different injury mechanisms, not the primary overpressure injury to the lungs.