Subcutaneous emphysema as an uncommon presentation of child abuse.
A case of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum as a result of child abuse is presented to add to the spectrum of findings associated with child maltreatment. This case is a reminder that although most cases of subcutaneous emphysema resolve uneventfully, there still needs to be an aggressive search for a cause. In addition, in the pediatric age group, the history given should be carefully verified as being plausible because of the possibility that child abuse may be the true etiology.
Bansal
B C
BC
Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9063, USA.
Abramo
T J
TJ
D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D012272:Ribs / Q000293:injuries*; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*