[Battered child syndrome mimicking acute appendicitis].

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.