Perthes Syndrome by Severe Gravitational Force

Abstract

Purpose: To report two patients with petechial hemorrhages in the skin of the face and eyelids and subconjunctival hemorrhages after they were exposed to acute severe gravitational force. Methods: Two patients developed Perthes syndrome after they were exposed to an unrestrained acute increase of gravitational force in a park attraction. One of them lost his consciousness for few minutes. The mechanism behind this entity is the sudden rise in the cervicofacial venous system pressure. Results: In our two cases there were no long-term complications encountered and there was spontaneous resolution. Conclusion: Perthes syndrome independently of the cause can lead to ophthalmic, neurological and even life threatening consequences. Proper clinical examination is warranted upon evaluating a patient with such entity.

Keywords

• Perthes syndrome, traumatic asphyxia, subconjunctival hemorrhage.