Other synonyms: masque ecchymotique, traumatic cervico-facial cyanosis
Mechanism: external compression of thorax with elevated intra-thoracic pressure
Clinical features:
(1) external compression trauma to the chest
(2) limited inspiration
(3) facial changes: swelling, erythema, cyanosis, ecchymoses, petechiae
(4) subconjunctival and retinal hemorrhage
(5) subepicardial and/or subpleural petechiaes
(6) cerebral anoxia with neurologic damage
(7) other findings (hemotypanium, proptosis, orbital edema, petrous ridge hemorrhage, diaphragmatic rupture)
Precipitating factors may include:
(1) compression in a dense crowd
(2) heavy weight on the chest and/or abdomen (collapsed building, motor vehicle, machinery, etc)
(3) boa constrictor
