Intra-abdominal insertion of sewing needles: a rare method of child abuse

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Child Abuse Research
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Abusive injuries in children can manifest in diverse and unexpected ways.
• Intra-abdominal foreign bodies, such as sewing needles, represent an uncommon but serious form of child abuse.

Observation:

• A 2.5-year-old boy presented with chronic abdominal pain and vomiting.
• Radiographic evaluation revealed two sewing needles within the abdominal cavity.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a newly recognized and increasing pattern of child abuse involving abdominal needle insertion.
• Diagnosis required thorough evaluation for non-accidental trauma in a child with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.

Implications:

• Pediatricians must maintain a high index of suspicion for abusive injuries, including intra-abdominal foreign bodies.
• Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for appropriate intervention and management of child abuse.
• This case underscores the importance of considering unusual presentations of abusive trauma in pediatric patients.