Abstract
Traumatic asphyxia occurs when a strong external force is exerted on the thorax. It is characterized by petechiae of the face, neck, and precordium, bulbar conjunctival congestion, and facial swelling. Loss of consciousness may also result from cerebral ischemia or hypoxia. We experienced a 42-year-old man of traumatic asphyxia caused by being trapped under a truck. This case had neurological impairment including loss of consciousness and visual disturbance and additionally suffered tension pneumothorax and liver injury associated with hemorrhagic shock. Although loss of consciousness was observed immediately after the injury, the patient recovered without any cerebral disturbance, excluding visual involvement. Traumatic asphyxia is sometimes complicated by severe thoracoabdominal injury because of compression of the thorax and abdomen. Loss of consciousness and neurological impairment including visual disturbance may also occur in many cases. It is necessary to provide the appropriate treatment based on Japan Advanced Trauma Evaluation and Care even though patient might be in poor neurological condition.
