Pleural effusion with rib fractures in infant

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Akinobu Taniguchi1, Takashi Maeda1, Takashi Tachibana1

  • 1Department of Neonatology Ogaki Municipal Hospital 4-86 Minaminokawacho Ogaki 503-8502 Japan.

Clinical Case Reports
|June 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Child abuse can cause rib fractures leading to pleural effusion in infants. This case highlights the need to consider non-accidental trauma in diagnosing infant pleural effusions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Forensic Pathology

Background:

  • Pleural effusion in infants has diverse etiologies.
  • Child abuse is a significant concern in pediatric healthcare.
  • Identifying the cause of pleural effusion is critical for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of infant pleural effusion secondary to rib fractures from child abuse.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic importance of considering non-accidental trauma.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Review of clinical presentation, imaging findings, and diagnostic workup.
  • Correlation with suspected child abuse.

Main Results:

  • The infant presented with pleural effusion.
  • Radiographic evidence revealed associated rib fractures.
  • Child abuse was identified as the underlying cause.

Conclusions:

  • Rib fractures due to child abuse should be a key consideration in the differential diagnosis of infant pleural effusion.
  • Early recognition of non-accidental trauma is vital for infant well-being and appropriate management.

Keywords:
Child abuseinfantpleural effusionrib fractureshaken baby syndrome

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