to the lower body. Patients with traumatic asphyxia usually present with
subconjunctival and upper body petechial hemorrhages, cyanosis, periorbital
edema, respiratory distress, altered mental status, and associated injuries.
The primary goal of treatment is to stabilize the patient and evaluate associated
injuries. The external appearance of a child with traumatic asphyxia is quite
impressive, but initial attention should be paid to the cardiopulmonary status.
Pulmonary contusions and hepatic injuries are commonly seen with traumatic
asphyxia, and CT scan is helpful in identifying head and abdominal injuries.
Because the most severe injuries cause immediate death, the prognosis is good for
any patient surviving the first few hours. Cutaneous manifestations will resolve
with time, and neurologic sequelae are rare.
Suggested Readings and Key References
General
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Stephens CQ, Boulos MC, Connelly CR, et al. Limiting thoracic CT: a rule for
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children with multitrauma. Pediatr Emerg Care 2019;35(5):330–334.
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Chest Wall Injury
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Lung Injury


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Pneumothorax/Hemothorax
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torso trauma. Acad Emerg Med 2014;21(4):440–448.


Ma OJ, Mateer JR. Trauma ultrasound examination versus chest radiography in
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Tracheal and Bronchial Injury
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disruptions after blunt chest trauma: presentation and management. Ann Thorac
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Esophageal Injury
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Diaphragmatic Injury
Beauchamp G, Khalfallah A, Girard R, et al. Blunt diaphragmatic rupture. Am J
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Boulanger BR, Milzman DP, Rosati C, et al. A comparison of right and left blunt
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