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An unusual case of child head injury by coat hanger*
Biagio Solarino1, Kathy Reckentwald, Amy M Burrows-Beckham
1Section of Legal Medicine, DIMIMP, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. bisola@tin.it
Insights
Child abuse can cause traumatic brain injury, a leading cause of death. This case highlights a rare penetrating skull injury in a child, revealing severe domestic violence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Forensic Pathology
- Child Abuse Pediatrics
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of child morbidity and mortality.
- Penetrating craniofacial injuries are uncommon in pediatric populations.
- Distinguishing accidental from inflicted injuries is crucial in pediatric cases.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old female presented with an industrial stainless steel coat hanger impaled in her skull.
- The injury occurred in a pediatric emergency room setting.
- Clinical forensic examination was performed.
Findings:
- The penetrating craniofacial injury was determined to be inflicted.
- Investigation revealed a severe domestic violence incident.
- The case underscores the link between specific injury patterns and child abuse.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the importance of thorough forensic evaluation in pediatric trauma.
- It highlights the need for increased awareness of inflicted TBI in children.
- Early identification and intervention are critical in child abuse cases.
Abstract:
Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children suspected of child abuse. Penetrating cranio-facial injuries are generally rare in the pediatric age group and are caused by both accidental and inflicted mechanisms. We report an unusual case of a 2-year-old female who was admitted to a pediatric emergency room with an industrial stainless steel coat hanger impaled in her skull. Pertinent clinical forensic medicine examination, coupled with home inspection and interviews by the local law enforcement, revealed a horrible episode of domestic violence.
