Committee 1

Diagnostic Imaging of Child Abuse

Citation:

Committee on Child Abuse & Neglect: Diagnostic imaging of child abuse. Pediatrics 105(6):1345-1348, June 2000.

Notes:

Skeletal injuries are often the strongest radiologic indicators of abuse.
A skeletal survey is mandatory in all cases of suspected physical abuse in children less than 2 years old. It should be repeated in two weeks when abuse is strongly suspected.
MRI is best for assessing intracranial injury, but may fail to detect accute subarachnoid or subdural hemorrhage.
"Abused infants may not demonstrate neurologic signs and symptoms, despite significant central nervous system injury." (p. 1347)
Stories of minor trauma should arouse suspicion of abuse.