Morestin Syndrome Beyond Thoracic Trauma

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Morestin syndrome (MS) is a rare manifestation of acute thoracic compression trauma.
• It results from elevated airway pressure and retrograde blood flow, causing capillary rupture in head and neck vessels.

Observation:

• A case report details a car accident victim experiencing severe closed thoracic trauma leading to Morestin syndrome.
• The patient presented with characteristic ecchymotic mask, facial/neck cyanosis, petechiae, ocular hemorrhage, otorrhagia, clavicle fracture, and spleen laceration.

Findings:

• The described case highlights the typical clinical presentation of Morestin syndrome following significant blunt force trauma.
• Conservative management was successful for the associated spleen laceration.

Implications:

• Morestin syndrome, though rare, presents with potentially severe complications requiring prompt recognition.
• A multidisciplinary and systemic approach is essential in the emergency setting for optimal patient outcomes.