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[Battered child syndrome mimicking acute appendicitis]

Zoltán Papp1

  • 1Dr. Bugyi István Kórház Sebészeti Osztály Szentes Sima F. u. 44-58. 6600. pappzoltandr@index.hu

Orvosi Hetilap
|March 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights how severe child abuse, presenting as battered child syndrome, can mimic appendicitis. Early recognition of non-accidental trauma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Child Abuse Forensics
  • Trauma Medicine

Background:

  • Battered child syndrome is a critical diagnosis in pediatric medicine.
  • Abdominal trauma in children can present with non-specific symptoms.
  • Delayed diagnosis of non-accidental injuries can lead to severe complications.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old patient presented with symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis.
  • Intraoperative findings revealed mesenteric and retroperitoneal hematomas, and hemoperitoneum.
  • A history of prolonged child abuse, spanning at least three years, was uncovered.

Findings:

  • The intraabdominal injuries were initially misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis due to misleading clinical presentation.
  • The case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by severe abdominal trauma in child abuse.
  • Sustained maltreatment resulted in life-threatening internal injuries.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for non-accidental trauma in pediatric surgical cases.
  • Highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in diagnosing and managing child abuse.
  • Calls for societal awareness and action to prevent child maltreatment and aggression.

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