Traumatic Asphyxia - Brief Discussion

Traumatic Asphyxia:  Traumatic asphyxia, also known as  Perthe's syndrome, is a medical emergency caused by an intense compression of the thoracic cavity, causing venous back-flow from the right side of the heart into the veins of the neck and the brain

The clinical findings of traumatic asphyxia are due to a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure against a closed glottis. The elevated pressure is transmitted to the veins, venules, and capillaries of the head, neck, extremities, and upper torso, resulting in capillary rupture.

Strangulation and hanging are common mechanisms. Survivors demonstrate plethora, ecchymoses, petechiae, and subconjunctival and retinal hemorrhages.

Body showing  dark purple Tardieu spots in dependent areas, due to ruptured capillaries in a person who suffered from Traumatic Asphayxia
Severe injuries may produce central nervous system injury with blindness, seizures, posturing, and paraplegia and even death.

Management: Treatment is supportive, with attention to other concurrent injuries. Long-term