title: Esophageal perforation with mediastinal abscess in child abuse.
abstract: A case of mediastinitis and mediastinal abscess due to cervical esophageal perforation in a 9/12 month old girl who was a victim of child abuse and possible sexual assault is reported. Injury to the hypopharynx or esophagus with child abuse as a possible etiology should be considered when an infant or young child presents with unexplained erythematous neck swelling, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and/or wide mediastinum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Ablin
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Reinhart
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000473:pathology*; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography