Traumatic asphyxia complicated by unwitnessed cardiac arrest

We report a case of traumatic asphyxia complicated by unwitnessed cardiac a rrest in which the patient has made a good, functional recovery. Traumatic asphyxia is an uncommon clinical syndrome usually occurring after chest com pression. Associated physical findings include subconjunctival hemorrhage a nd purple-blue neck and face discoloration. These facial changes can mimic those seen with massive closed head injury; however, cerebral injury after traumatic asphyxia usually occurs due to cerebral hypoxia. When such featur es are observed, the diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia should be considered. Prompt treatment with attention to the reestablishment of oxygenation and p erfusion may result in good outcomes.