Gun shot injuries to the temporal bone: Anatomic predictors of mortality

Abstract

PurposeTo explore anatomic predictors of mortality from gunshot wounds involving the temporal bone. MethodsA retrospective search of radiology reports was performed for all patients with CT reports suggestive of gunshot wounds (GSW) to the TB (2000–2020). All cases were reviewed by the senior author to confirm injury to the temporal bone. Detailed demographic and radiographic data were collected. Main findingsA total of 120 patients met inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were male (n = 101) and the average age was 32.9. The squamosa was the most commonly involved subsite (n = 90), followed by the mastoid (n = 43). Squamosal entry site had the highest associated mortality (89.7 %). For those with known disposition, 65.8 % (79 of 120) expired on the same hospital admission. Inpatient otolaryngology consultation was noted in 18.3 % (n = 22) of patients, with poor outpatient follow-up. ConclusionsThis series represents the largest survey of GSW to the temporal bone to date. Although associated mortality is high and outpatient follow-up poor, otolaryngologists should be aware of associated morbidities to facilitate both inpatient and subsequent outpatient management.