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Updated: May 26, 2026

A Pleural Effusion Model in Rats by Intratracheal Instillation of Polyacrylate/Nanosilica
Published on: April 12, 2019
Nonaccidental trauma presenting with respiratory distress and pleural effusion
Malvika Sagar1, Samarth Shukla, Kelly Bradley-Dodds
1Department of Pediatrics, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA 19013, USA.
Abstract:
Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is common and presents with varied symptoms. Pleural effusion as a complication of physical abuse has not been described in the past. We report the case of a 10-week-old infant who presented with multiple nonspecific complaints that included respiratory distress, refusal to feed, constipation, and lethargy. Sepsis was the working diagnosis on admission, but a massive pleural effusion and rib fractures seen on chest imaging ultimately led to the diagnosis of nonaccidental trauma. This interesting case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for abuse irrespective of atypical presenting signs.
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