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Cervical soft tissue lesions in the shaken infant syndrome: a case report

Andrea Porzionato1, Veronica Macchi, Anna Aprile

  • 1Section of Anatomy, Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padova, Italy.

Medicine, Science, and the Law
|December 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Shaken baby syndrome can cause rare cervical soft tissue lesions, including muscle and ligament hemorrhages. Autopsy revealed previously undescribed injuries, emphasizing thorough neck examination in suspected cases.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

  • Cervical soft tissue lesions are infrequently documented in shaken baby syndrome.
  • Previous reports include intervertebral disc ruptures and ligamenta flava/muscle hemorrhages.

Observation:

  • An autopsy case of a 30-month-old girl with multiple trauma (beating, sexual abuse, shaking) is presented.
  • External neck examination revealed no external signs of trauma.
  • Cervical dissection identified hemorrhagic infiltration in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, carotid region, pharyngeal/esophageal musculature, and retro-pharyngeal/esophageal spaces.

Findings:

  • The observed cervical soft tissue lesions were attributed to violent shaking movements.
  • Hemorrhagic infiltration in specific neck structures represents previously undescribed injuries in shaken baby syndrome.
  • This case corroborates the occurrence of cervical soft tissue damage in shaken baby syndrome.

Implications:

  • Forensic pathologists and clinicians should meticulously examine cervical soft tissues in suspected shaken baby syndrome cases.
  • Recognition of these subtle injuries is crucial for accurate diagnosis and legal proceedings.
  • Further research into the biomechanics of shaking trauma and associated cervical injuries is warranted.

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