Imaging and clinical features of intra-abdominal injuries in children with suspected physical abuse

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Child Abuse Pediatrics
• Forensic Medicine

Background:

• Inflicted intra-abdominal injuries present diagnostic challenges.
• Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical presentation, injury mechanisms, and imaging of inflicted intra-abdominal injuries.
• To emphasize the role of imaging and collaboration in diagnosing child physical abuse.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review focusing on pediatric intra-abdominal trauma.
• Analysis of clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings.
• Discussion of injury patterns specific to child physical abuse.

Main Results:

• Radiological imaging is critical for contextualizing patient history and identified injuries.
• Specific imaging appearances of solid organ and hollow viscus injuries in abuse cases are detailed.
• Collaboration between radiologists and clinicians enhances diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions:

• A thorough understanding of clinical and imaging findings is essential for diagnosing inflicted intra-abdominal injuries.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly with radiologists and child abuse specialists, is vital for optimal patient outcomes.
• Radiology plays a key role in identifying and evaluating injuries suspicious for child physical abuse.