Traumatic Asphyxia

Abstract

Traumatic asphyxia is a clinical syndrome associated with cervicofacial cyanosis, edema, petechia in the face, neck and upper chest and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Traumatic asphyxia is usually caused by severe thoracic compression. A 32-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency room with chest pain and dyspnea resulting from thoracoabdominal compression. On the X-rays, fractures of the 4th and 10th rib, minimal hemothorax and pulmonary contusion on the right hemithorax and sacral fracture, separation in symphysis were determined. His head, neck, and upper chest were cyanotic with multiple petechia and he had bilateral subconjuntival hemorrhage. Since no complication has been observed in the conservatively treated patient follow-up, he was transferred to the clinic of orthopedics for further management. Traumatic asphyxia is usually of little prognostic significance, although associated injuries may be life-threatening. Patient morbidity and mortality is usually determined by the presence and severity of associated cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other injuries. © 2012 OMU.