A Mild Chest Trauma in an Infant who Developed Severe Pulmonary Hemorrhage

Chest trauma, an important cause of morbidity and mortality, is the second most common cause of death in children under four years of age. Due to the different anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system in childhood, the injuries and consequences of chest trauma are also dissimilar. A seven-month-old male infant presented to the emergency clinic with cyanosis and respiratory distress. His medical history revealed that he had been found trapped behind his bed in a cyanotic state two hours earlier. Although physical examination revealed no signs of trauma, respiratory distress and hemorrhagic secretions indicated pulmonary hemorrhage or contusion. This preliminary diagnosis was confirmed by thoracic tomography. There was complete recovery following 48-hour oxygen and medical treatment. Even after mild injuries, the fact that severe pulmonary hemorrhages and contusions may develop without a trace of trauma should be kept in mind.