The management of traumatic asphyxia: case report and literature review.

Traumatic asphyxia is not as benign as has been indicated in the literature (2, 4) and may represent a life-threatening process. A thorough understanding of the involved pathophysiology coupled with aggressive cardiopulmonary management is essential for patient survival. In cases with severe pulmonary injury, the judicious employment of respirator and PEEP therapy is emphasized.