An Unusual and Fatal Case of Perthes’ Syndrome

Abstract

Perthes syndrome includes cervical and facial cyanosis, subconjunctival haemorrhage, petechial haemorrhages on the face, neck, and upper chest, secondary to chest compression. We report a clinical case of Perthes' syndrome in 3-year-old boy victims of chest crush by a tractor. Clinical examination found: a Glasgow score at 13/15, polypnea, tachycardia, hypotension; wound of the occipital scalp, a low abundance of hematuria, deformation of the left lower limb. Body scan: bilateral pneumothorax and pulmonary contusions, left hemothorax; lacerations at the medial and upper renal pole grade IV, a low abundance of retroperitoneal hematoma, fracture of the left femur. Biological assessment showed major metabolic disturbances with severe acute rhabdomyolysis and multi-visceral failure. Without clinical improvement, the patient died after 36 hours of intensive care.