Pediatric Physical Abuse: Visceral Injuries

This article will discuss an evidence-based approach when evaluating a young child presenting with concern for abusive visceral trauma. The types of pediatric visceral injuries along with salient features will be described. Additionally, the approach to assessing these children with clinical data including laboratory screening tests and imaging modalities will be addressed. The pediatric clinician will understand the importance of approaching this population with appropriate clinical vigilance while maintaining a comprehensive, objective, unbiased, evidence-based approach to the medical assessment of young children presenting with concern for child abuse where visceral trauma is a concern.