Comparison of clinical outcomes between anteroposterior and lateral penetrating craniocerebral gunshot wounds.

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.