A Case of Traumatic Asphyxia due to Motorcycle Accident

Abstract

Background. Perthe's syndrome (traumatic asphyxia) is rare, which is caused by sudden compressive chest trauma and characterized by subconjunctival hemorrhage, facial edema, craniocervical cyanosis, and petechiae on the upper chest and face and should always be kept in mind as a possible complication of injuries of the chest and abdomen. Case Report. In this case report a 36-years-old male patient brought to the emergency room due to thorax trauma related to motorcycle accident was discussed. Distinct cyanotic, edematous, and multiple petechiae were present on the face, neck, and upper thorax regions of the patient. Bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhage was determined. Conclusion. Treatment for traumatic asphyxia is supportive and patient recovery is related to the generally associated injuries. Prognosis of the patients is quite good with effective and timely treatment.

Perthes´ Syndrome: Traumatic Asphyxia

“…The approach of these patients must be integral, initiating for assuring the airway, the patient must place supine with the head tilt to 30 degrees, in order to diminish intracranial pressure [8][9][10][11][12]. Oxygen therapy and fluids must begin at once and must consider the need to place mechanical ventilation according to patient requirements and extension of lung injuries [12][13].…”

“…The prognosis of these patients generally is favorable, however the morbidity and mortality depends on several factors including the age of the patient, duration of compression, severity of pulmonary injuries and existence of associated injuries specifically those that involve the cardiovascular system or central nervous system [5,8,11].…”

“…Possible causes of traumatic asphyxia include accidents, human stampedes, asthmatic exacerbation, epileptic status and severe emesis, the latter mainly seen in pediatric population [5][6][7][8]. Both, in the American and in the European literature, the incident of this syndrome has not been yet achieved, especially for underdiagnoses, because even when the patient in many of the descriptions has the typical clinical manifestations, is not labeled as a specific syndrome in the blunt trauma to the chest.…”

A Rare and Serious Syndrome That Requires Attention in Emergency Service: Traumatic Asphyxia

“…Traumatic asphyxia is a rare syndrome resulting from sudden, severe blunt trauma of the thorax and upper abdomen [ 1 , 2 ]. It is characterized by cervicofacial cyanosis, edema, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and petechial eruptions on the face, neck, upper parts of the thoracic cage, and the upper extremities [ 3 ].…”

“…It is characterized by cervicofacial cyanosis, edema, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and petechial eruptions on the face, neck, upper parts of the thoracic cage, and the upper extremities [ 3 ]. Commonly, thoracic injuries like pulmonary contusion, hemothorax, and pneumothorax accompany the situation [ 1 , 2 ].…”