Child abuse

Radiologe. 1982 Aug;22(8):335-41.

Abstract

Child abuse is common in most, if not all, Western nations; it probably occurs worldwide. It may be a major factor in the increase in violence throughout much of the world. Radiologists who treat children should think of the possibility of abuse whenever they diagnose a fracture, intracranial bleed, or visceral injury, especially when the history is not compatible with their findings. Metaphyseal "corner" fractures in infants usually are caused by abuse. Less than 20% of abused children, however, present injuries that can be recognized by radiologic techniques. Consequently normal roentgenograms, nuclear medicine scans, ultrasound studies, and computed tomograms do not exclude child abuse.

MeSH terms

  • Child Abuse*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Hyperostosis, Cortical, Congenital / diagnostic imaging
  • Incest
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta / diagnostic imaging
  • Pain Insensitivity, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Radiography
  • Scurvy / diagnostic imaging
  • Sex Offenses
  • Syphilis, Congenital / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnostic imaging*