Petechial hemorrhages and unexpected infant death

The significance of petechial hemorrhages in cases of unexpected infant death remains uncertain. While intrathoracic petechiae occur in the majority of cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), their relationship to terminal mechanisms has been debated. Facial, conjunctival and external upper chest petechiae are not a feature of SIDS and raise the possibility of underlying illness such as sepsis, or of forceful coughing or vomiting. Alternatively the presence of cutaneous or conjunctival petchiae may suggest trauma or asphyxia due to chest or neck compression. Given the possibility of alternative mechanisms of death it is preferable to designate the cause and manner of death as 'undetermined', rather than 'SIDS', when petechiae are found in unusual locations.