User:Macaddct1984/Traumatic asphyxia
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Traumatic asphyxia, or Perte's syndrome, is a medical emergency caused by an intense compression of the thoracic cavity, causing venous back-flow.[1]
Causes
[edit]Traumatic asphyxia occurs when a powerful compressive force is applied to the thoracic cavity. This is most often seen in motor vehicle accidents, as well as industrial and farming accidents. However, it can present anytime a significant pressure is applied to the thorax.
Signs and symptoms
[edit]Traumatic asphyxia is characterized by cyanosis in the upper extremities, neck, and head as well as petechiae in the conjunctiva. Patients can also display jugular venous distention and facial edema.[2] Assosciated injuries include pulmonary contusion, myocardial contusion, hemo/pneumothorax, and broken ribs.[3][4]
Pathophysiology
[edit]The sudden impact on the thorax causes an increase in intrathoracic pressure.[3] In order for traumatic asphyxia to occur, a Valsalva maneuver is required when the traumatic force is applied.[5] Exhalation against the closed glottis along with the traumatic event causes air that cannot escape from the thoracic cavity. Instead, the air causes increased venous back-pressure, which is transferred back to through the right atrium, to the superior vena cava and to the head and neck veins and capillaries.[3]
Prognosis
[edit]For individuals who survive the initial crush injury, survival rates are high for traumatic asphyxia. [3][6][5]
References
[edit]- ^ Moore JD, Mayer J, Gago O (1972). Traumatic Asphyxia Chest, 62:634-636.
- ^ ParPraToday V.2 p.472
- ^ a b c d Eken C., Yıgıt, O. (2009) Traumatic asphyxia: a rare syndrome in trauma patients PubMed
- ^ Lee MC, et al., (1991). Traumatic asphyxia PubMed, 51(1):86-88.
- ^ a b Barakat M., et al. (2004). Traumatic asphyxia or Perthe's syndrome. Six cas reports PubMed, 23(1):59-62.
- ^ Bledsoe B, Berkeley R, Markus T (2010). Know the Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Asphyxia JEMS, September 2010.