title: A fatal case of Perthes syndrome.
abstract: Perthes syndrome, or traumatic asphyxia, is a clinical syndrome associating cervicofacial cyanosis with cutaneous petechial haemorrhages and subconjonctival bleeding resulting from severe sudden compressive chest trauma. Deep inspiration and a Valsalva maneuver just prior to rapid and severe chest compression, are responsible for the development of this syndrome. Current treatment is symptomatic: urgent relief of chest compression and cardiopulmonary resuscitation if needed. Outcome may be satisfactory depending on the duration and severity of compression. Prolonged thoracic compression may sometimes lead to cerebral anoxia, irreversible neurologic damage and death. We report a fatal case of Perthes syndrome resulting from an industrial accident.
authors: Department of Emergency, University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
authors: Jérôme
authors: J
authors: Jobé
authors: Alexandre
authors: A
authors: Ghuysen
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Hartstein
authors: Vincent
authors: V
authors: D'orio
keywords: Cardiac arrest; hypoxic coma; traumatic asphyxia