Multiple thoracic vertebral compression fractures caused by non-accidental injury: case report with radiological-pathological correlation.
We report a 21-month-old boy with multiple contiguous thoracic vertebral compression fractures involving eight vertebral bodies, attributable to non-accidental injury. No subluxation was associated, however, there was extensive injury to the upper cervical and lower lumbar regions of the spinal cord. Anterosuperior beaking, thought to represent a previous injury, was evident in a mid-lumbar vertebra. Clinical examination revealed bilateral retinal hemorrhages and retinoschisis. Death occurred as a result of severe brain edema with bilateral subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhages. Radiological-pathological correlation is presented.
Twomey
Eilish L
EL
Department of Radiology, University of California at San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0628, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628, USA. teilish@hotmail.com
Iemsawatdikul
Kriengkrai
K
Stephens
Boyd G
BG
Gooding
Charles A
CA
D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed