Review of Traumatic Asphyxia Syndrome with a Case Presentation

Abstract

Traumatic asphyxia is a rare syndrome in which the thoracoabdominal region is exposed to pressure and it presents with cervicofacial cyanosis and oedema, subconjunctival haemorrhage, and petechial haemorrhage in the face, neck and upper part of chest. In this report we present a 28 year old male patient whose whole body except the head and neck stayed under soil for about 30 minutes as an example case in order to review traumatic asphyxia syndrome.

Brachial plexus paralysis associated with traumatic asphyxia

“…In cases without accompanying injuries death may occur due to prolonged compression, hypoxia and apnea. It heals spontaneously within weeks except the neurological and ocular signs [1,14,15]. There is no clear information about the follow-up period of these cases in the literature.…”

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

“…The extent of the signs and symptoms depend on the duration and severity of the compression that thorax and upper abdomen are exposed to [ 10 ]. Many signs may accompany the characteristic findings.…”

“…This procedure decreases the intracranial pressure. Continuous monitorization of the patient, arterial blood gas, oxygen saturation level examinations at certain intervals, and supportive oxygen therapy are the key factors for the management throughout the hospitalization period [ 6 , 10 ].…”

“…It heals spontaneously within weeks except the neurological and ocular signs. In cases without accompanying injuries death may occur due to prolonged compression, apnea, and hypoxia [ 6 , 10 ].…”