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Voucharas C, Vouchara A, Tsolaki F, Tagarakis I, Tagarakis G. Accidental compression of the thoracic wall. Mechanical asphyxia rather than trauma is the main culprit. Trauma Case Rep 2024; 52:101064. [PMID: 38957178 PMCID: PMC11217741 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2024.101064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We present three cases of traumatic asphyxia after thoracic compression. All victims were Caucasian males aged 22-50 years. One man was crushed by a truck trailer, another was crushed by an overturned vehicle, and the last was crushed by a large heavy stone slab. None of the patients survived the accident. There was no evidence of trauma or only minor trauma from the bones or vital organs of the thoracic cavity and abdomen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Voucharas
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
| | - Angeliki Vouchara
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
| | - Fani Tsolaki
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tagarakis
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
| | - Georgios Tagarakis
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
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Kikuta S, Ishihara S, Kai S, Nakayama H, Matsuyama S, Kawase T, Nakayama S. Therapeutic efficacy for traumatic asphyxia with a focus on cardiac arrest. Acute Med Surg 2020; 7:e586. [PMID: 33763232 PMCID: PMC7977483 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the clinical features of traumatic asphyxia, specifically the presence of cardiac arrest and therapeutic efficacy. This review will be useful for future emergencies. Methods Sixteen traumatic asphyxia cases from our hospital between April 2007 and March 2019 were reviewed and divided into three groups: those experiencing cardiac arrest at the time of rescue (group A, six cases), those experiencing cardiac arrest after rescue (group B, five cases), and those who did not experience cardiac arrest (group C, five cases). Results All cases had abnormal findings in the skin or conjunctiva. The total mortality rate reached 56%. Among the 11 cases in groups A and B that resulted in cardiac arrest, 10 had an Injury Severity Score of 16 or higher and an Abbreviated Injury Scale score in the chest of 3 or higher. The patients' injuries included pneumothorax, flail chest, and pericardial hematoma. The heartbeat was restarted in seven cases, and two cases completely recovered. Conclusion In some traumatic asphyxia cases, the treatment course was relatively effective even with cardiac arrest; thus, life support efforts should not be spared in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Kikuta
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Hyogo Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishihara
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Hyogo Japan
| | - Soichiro Kai
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Hyogo Japan
| | - Haruki Nakayama
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Hyogo Japan
| | - Shigenari Matsuyama
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Hyogo Japan
| | - Tetsunori Kawase
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Hyogo Japan
| | - Shinichi Nakayama
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Hyogo Japan
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Nolan JP, Soar J, Cary N, Cooper N, Crane J, Fegan-Earl A, Lawler W, Lumb P, Rutty G. Compression asphyxia and other clinicopathological findings from the Hillsborough Stadium disaster. Emerg Med J 2020; 38:798-802. [PMID: 32883753 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2020-209627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Ninety-six people died following a crowd crush at the Hillsborough Football Stadium, Sheffield, UK in 1989. The cause of death in nearly all cases was compression asphyxia. The clinical and pathological features of deaths encountered in crowds are discussed with a particular focus on the Hillsborough disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry P Nolan
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jasmeet Soar
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Nathaniel Cary
- Forensic Pathology Services, Unit 12, The Quadrangle, Wantage, UK
| | - Nigel Cooper
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jack Crane
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | - Philip Lumb
- Pathology, Royal Oldham Hospital, Oldham, UK
| | - Guy Rutty
- East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Youssfi SE, Ou-Meskour A, Belkheiri B, Jdoud MA, Benlamkaddem S, Berdai MA, Harandou M. Syndrome de Perthes: à propos de deux cas pédiatriques. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 35:51. [PMID: 32537056 PMCID: PMC7250229 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.35.51.16483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Abstract
Traumatic asphyxia is a clinical syndrome related to cervicofascial cyanosis, petechiae, subconjunctival haemorrhages and neurological symptoms. This syndrome occurs after a transient, severe and compressive blunt thoracic trauma. Here, we presented two cases of traumatic asphyxia. They both had prominent petechiae on upper parts of their bodies. The prognosis was excellent in the boy. Contrary, second case was dead in emergency department due to subarachnoid haemorrhage and intracerebral petechial haemorrhages. Traumatic asphyxia alone does not predict morbidity and mortality. It is the concomitant cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurologic injuries that affect the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Uzkeser
- Ataturk University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, 25090, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Y Aydin
- Ataturk University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, 25090, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - M Emet
- Ataturk University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, 25090, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Z Cakir
- Ataturk University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, 25090, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - S Aslan
- Ataturk University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, 25090, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - G Ozturk
- Ataturk University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, 25090, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - A Akoz
- Ataturk University, Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, 25090, Erzurum, Turkey
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Kartal M, Goksu E, Yigit O, Aydin AG. Traumatic Asphyxia: A Rare Clinical Syndrome. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/102490791402100310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic asphyxia is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by cyanosis, oedema and petechial haemorrhage of the face, neck and upper chest due to the sudden, transient and severe thoraco-abdominal compression trauma. The huge increase in intra-thoracic pressure caused by the compression constitutes all the symptoms. Although mortality and morbidity due to traumatic asphyxia can happen, most of the patients survive without any sequel. Herein, we report three cases of traumatic asphyxia assessed in our emergency department. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:185-188)
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Tumram NK, Ambade VN, Biyabani N. Compression asphyxia from a human pyramid. Med Leg J 2015; 83:199-202. [PMID: 26059277 DOI: 10.1177/0025817215588884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In compression asphyxia, respiration is stopped by external forces on the body. It is usually due to an external force compressing the trunk such as a heavy weight on the chest or abdomen and is associated with internal injuries. In present case, the victim was trapped and crushed under the falling persons from a human pyramid formation for a "Dahi Handi" festival. There was neither any severe blunt force injury nor any significant pathological natural disease contributing to the cause of death. The victim was unable to remove himself from the situation because his cognitive responses and coordination were impaired due to alcohol intake. The victim died from asphyxia due to compression of his chest and abdomen. Compression asphyxia resulting from the collapse of a human pyramid and the dynamics of its impact force in these circumstances is very rare and is not reported previously to the best of our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naushad Biyabani
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India
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Kamali S, Kesici S, Gunduz I, Kesici U. A Case of Traumatic Asphyxia due to Motorcycle Accident. Case Rep Emerg Med 2013; 2013:857131. [PMID: 23606999 PMCID: PMC3626248 DOI: 10.1155/2013/857131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Perthe's syndrome (traumatic asphyxia) is rare, which is caused by sudden compressive chest trauma and characterized by subconjunctival hemorrhage, facial edema, craniocervical cyanosis, and petechiae on the upper chest and face and should always be kept in mind as a possible complication of injuries of the chest and abdomen. Case Report. In this case report a 36-years-old male patient brought to the emergency room due to thorax trauma related to motorcycle accident was discussed. Distinct cyanotic, edematous, and multiple petechiae were present on the face, neck, and upper thorax regions of the patient. Bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhage was determined. Conclusion. Treatment for traumatic asphyxia is supportive and patient recovery is related to the generally associated injuries. Prognosis of the patients is quite good with effective and timely treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Kamali
- Department of General Surgery, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Kesici
- Kanuni Training and Reseach Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, 61290 Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Gunduz
- Department of General Surgery, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ugur Kesici
- Department of General Surgery, Akcaabat Hackali Baba State Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
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Sertaridou E, Papaioannou V, Kouliatsis G, Theodorou V, Pneumatikos I. Traumatic asphyxia due to blunt chest trauma: a case report and literature review. J Med Case Rep 2012; 6:257. [PMID: 22935547 PMCID: PMC3441877 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-6-257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Crush asphyxia is different from positional asphyxia, as respiratory compromise in the latter is caused by splinting of the chest and/or diaphragm, thus preventing normal chest expansion. There are only a few cases or small case series of crush asphyxia in the literature, reporting usually poor outcomes. Case presentation We present the case of a 44-year-old Caucasian man who developed traumatic asphyxia with severe thoracic injury and mild brain edema after being crushed under heavy auto vehicle mechanical parts. He remained unconscious for an unknown time. The treatment included oropharyngeal intubation and mechanical ventilation, bilateral chest tube thoracostomies, treatment of brain edema and other supportive measures. Our patient’s outcome was good. Traumatic asphyxia is generally under-reported and most authors apply supportive measures, while the final outcome seems to be dependent on the length of time of the chest compression and on the associated injuries. Conclusion Treatment for traumatic asphyxia is mainly supportive with special attention to the re-establishment of adequate oxygenation and perfusion; treatment of the concomitant injuries might also affect the final outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Sertaridou
- ICU department, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece.
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El koraichi A, Benafitou R, Tadili J, Rafii M, El Kharaz H, Al Haddoury M, El Kettani S. Syndrome d’asphyxie traumatique ou syndrome de Perthes : à propos de deux observations pédiatriques. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 31:259-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2011.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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“C3, 4, 5 Keeps the Diaphragm Alive.” Is Phrenic Nerve Palsy Part of the Pathophysiological Mechanism in Strangulation and Hanging? Should Diaphragm Paralysis be Excluded in Survived Cases? Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2010; 31:100-2. [DOI: 10.1097/paf.0b013e3181c297e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Traumatic asphyxia: a rare syndrome in trauma patients. Int J Emerg Med 2009; 2:255-6. [PMID: 20436897 PMCID: PMC2840592 DOI: 10.1007/s12245-009-0115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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