Imaging of child abuse.

Skeletal imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis of abuse. High-detail radiographs of the entire skeleton, at times supplemented with nuclear imaging, CT, US, and MR imaging, elucidate the variety of findings with this entity. The radiologist's role includes careful analysis of clinical history, familiarity with typical osseous findings in abuse, and awareness of potential normal variants and pitfalls. An accurate diagnosis of abuse can then lead to appropriate measures to protect all family members at risk of serious injury.

Punctate thymic calcification in infants with untreated Langerhans' cell histiocytosis: report of four new cases.

Four new cases of punctate thymic calcification in infants with untreated Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) are added to the four previously reported cases. All cases were shown on CT scans; plain films were rarely diagnostic. Pathologic correlation remains elusive since the usual biopsies of the LCH have been on skin or bone biopsies. A single prior pathologic study of the thymus in untreated LCH showed microscopic calcospherites. The thymic punctate calcific densities in patients with LCH may represent further accretion so that the calcospherites become macroscopic. The finding of such punctate calcific densities in an enlarged thymus of an infant with skin or bone or lung disease is strongly suggestive of LCH.

Intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma in children: incidence and imaging characteristics on CT.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and CT imaging features of intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma in children. CONCLUSION: Approximately 10% of children with rhabdomyosarcoma may have intraperitoneal neoplastic involvement either at the time of diagnosis or subsequently. On CT, intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcomas are associated with ascites, enhancing nodules, masses, a pseudomyxoma peritonei-like appearance, and omental caking.

A regional approach to the classic metaphyseal lesion in abused infants: the distal femur.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the spectrum of morphologic alterations of the classic metaphyseal lesion involving the distal femur of abused infants and to identify features that aid in radiologic diagnosis and assessment of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one infants who died with evidence of inflicted skeletal injury were studied with high-detail skeletal surveys, resected specimen radiography, and histologic analysis. We recorded the number of fractures, the portions of the distal femoral metaphyses involved, and the age of the lesions. RESULTS: Fifteen classic metaphyseal lesions of the distal femur were seen in 11 infants. The lesions were bilateral in four infants and unilateral in seven. Nine healing and three acute classic metaphyseal lesions were found. In the remaining three lesions, the age of the lesions was indeterminate. Fractures always involved the posteromedial aspect of the femur; anterior and lateral extension occurred in more diffuse lesions. Fractures tended to be less conspicuous when they were acute and were more easily recognized with healing, especially with specimen radiography. Histologically, the fracture line consistently undercut the medial subperiosteal bone collar. Extension of hypertrophic chondrocytes from the growth plate into the region of fracture was found in all nine healing lesions. CONCLUSION: The classic metaphyseal lesion of the distal femur has distinctive radiologic and histopathologic characteristics that relate to the anatomy of the region. Because the distal femur is a common site for this strong indicator of infant abuse, the region should be carefully evaluated with well-collimated, high-detail skeletal radiographs in all cases of suspected infant abuse.

Hangman's fracture in an abused infant: imaging features.

A case of a hangman's fracture in an abused infant is presented. The imaging features are illustrated and a mechanism of injury is suggested.

Imaging of child abuse.

Diagnostic imaging plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of suspected physical abuse. Judicious application of modern imaging techniques to cases of suspected abuse aids in early and accurate diagnosis, leading to appropriate measures to protect all family members at risk of serious injury.

Fractures of the hands and feet in child abuse: imaging and pathologic features.

PURPOSE: To determine the imaging and histopathologic appearance of fractures of the hands and feet in abused infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The imaging findings in 11 abused infants with fractures of the hands and feet were examined retrospectively. All 11 infants underwent skeletal surveys; five infants also underwent nuclear bone scanning. Postmortem radiographs of the specimen and histopathologic data were available in two infants. RESULTS: A total of 22 fractures were noted. Six infants had fractures of the hands: six metacarpal and nine proximal phalangeal fractures. Five infants had fractures of the feet: six metatarsal fractures and one proximal phalangeal fracture. Torus fractures predominated, and these patterns were confirmed at the histologic examinations. These morphologic features were consistent with a mechanism of forced hyperextension. Oblique views of the hands and follow-up skeletal surveys aided in detection of these injuries. Four of six metatarsal fractures involved the first ray. Seven patients had three or more additional fractures that involved the long bones of the upper and lower extremities, and seven patients had additional fractures of the ipsilateral extremity. CONCLUSION: Fractures of the hands and feet are subtle but important injuries in abused infants. Well-collimated, high-detail radiographs of the hands and feet should be included in the skeletal survey performed for suspected child abuse.

Mechanical factors associated with posterior rib fractures: laboratory and case studies.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the mechanical factors associated with posterior rib fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs were reviewed in ten cadavers where rib fractures were produced by opening a median sternotomy with a sternal retractor. A second study used CT to evaluate for rib fractures following digital sternal depression and anteroposterior bimanual thoracic compression in three rabbits. Lastly, two cases of accidental posterior rib fractures in children were reviewed. RESULTS: In the cadaver studies, ten rib fractures were noted, all at or medial to the costotransverse process articulations. In the rabbit study, 13 posterior rib fractures were noted, all occurring with excessive posterior levering of the ribs during bimanual compression. The accidental posterior rib fractures occurred with severe anteroposterior thoracic compression as children were decelerated into a car dashboard or struck by a car. CONCLUSION: Posterior rib fractures require excessive levering of the posterior ribs at the costotransverse process articulation. When these fractures occur in accidental situations, they require massive forces that entail similar mechanics to those occurring in abusive settings.

A regional approach to the classic metaphyseal lesion in abused infants: the proximal humerus.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the spectrum of morphologic alterations of the classic metaphyseal lesion (CML) involving the proximal humerus of abused infants and to identify radiologic features that aid in the diagnosis and assessment of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one infants who died with evidence of inflicted skeletal injury were studied with high-detail skeletal surveys, resected specimen radiography, and histologic analysis. In each infant, the number of fractures, the involved portions of the proximal humeral metaphyses, and the age of the lesion were assessed. RESULTS: Seven proximal humeral CMLs were seen in four infants. Radiography of the only infant with an acute injury revealed no fracture; however, evidence of trabecular disruption was found histologically. Radiographic patterns in the six healing injuries included focal corner-fracture appearance, transmetaphyseal radiolucency, irregularity of the metaphyseal margin, and flame-shaped mineralized extensions into the physeal cartilage. Histologically, all CMLs undercut the lateral subperiosteal bone collar, explaining the corner-fracture appearance. Focal and diffuse thickening of the zone of hypertrophic chondrocytes was seen, and peninsulas of primary spongiosa surrounded by hypertrophied cartilage corresponded to the flame-shaped densities revealed radiographically. The fracture morphology was better seen on specimen radiography than on skeletal survey images. CONCLUSION: CML of the proximal humerus has distinctive radiologic and histopathologic characteristics that relate to the anatomy of the region. In our study, changes at the chondroosseous junction revealed by radiography correlated well with histologic evidence of healing. Although the proximal humerus is a less common location for CML than the lower extremity, the proximal humerus should be carefully scrutinized on high-detail radiographs in cases of suspected infant abuse.

Follow-up skeletal surveys in suspected child abuse.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the additional yield of a repeat skeletal survey in identifying and dating skeletal injury for cases in which child abuse was strongly suspected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three infants and toddlers strongly suspected of being physically abused on the basis of findings on the initial skeletal survey, other imaging studies, history, or physical examination underwent a follow-up examination approximately 2 weeks after the initial examination. The high-detail imaging system included a single-emulsion, single-screen combination with a low-absorption carbon-fiber cassette. The skeletal survey protocol entailed tightly collimated anteroposterior views of the appendicular skeleton and anteroposterior and lateral views of the axial skeleton. Between the two studies, all children were in Department of Social Services custody or living in a safe home. RESULTS: The follow-up skeletal survey yielded additional information regarding skeletal injury in 14 (61%) of 23 cases. Follow-up study increased the number of definite fractures detected from 70 to 89 (27%) (p = .005). Most of these additional injuries were classic metaphyseal lesions or rib fractures. In 13 of the 70 fractures previously detected, the follow-up skeletal survey also provided important information about the age of those injuries. CONCLUSION: When child abuse is strongly suspected on the basis of the findings on the initial skeletal survey, other imaging studies, history, or physical examination, a follow-up skeletal survey is recommended to provide a through and accurate assessment of osseous injuries.

Rib fractures in 31 abused infants: postmortem radiologic-histopathologic study.

PURPOSE: To examine the morphologic alterations of fractures of the lateral and anterior rib arcs and costochondral junction (CCJ) to better understand the factors that influence radiographic visualization and to gain insight into the mechanism of injury in rib fractures of abused infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one infants (average age, 3 months) who died with inflicted skeletal injuries were studied with high-detail, pre- or postmortem skeletal surveys, or both, and radiography of specimens, with histologic analysis. The distribution and number of fractures were determined for each technique, and dating was performed on the basis of radiographic and histologic criteria. The radiologic features were correlated with the pathologic findings in comparable histologic sections. RESULTS: Of 165 fractures, 84 (51%) involved the ribs. Only 30 rib fractures (36%) were visible with skeletal survey examination. Lateral and anterior arc fractures tended to impact along the inner cortex of the rib. CCJ fractures tended to involve the inner aspect of the osteochondral interface with an associated osseous fragment. CONCLUSION: Acute and healing rib fractures are common in infants who died with inflicted injury; detection is technique-dependent. Use of high-detail skeletal radiography to identify these injuries in live and deceased infants appears justified.

A regional approach to classic metaphyseal lesions in abused infants: the distal tibia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze systematically the spectrum of morphologic alterations of classic metaphyseal lesions (CML) involving the distal tibia of abused infants and to identify features that assist in the radiologic diagnosis and assessment of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one infants who died with evidence of inflicted injury were studied with high-detailed skeletal surveys, resected-specimen radiography, and histopathologic analysis. The number of fractures identified, the portions of the distal tibial metaphyses involved, and the age of the lesion were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 16 CML of the distal tibia were noted. Eight infants had unilateral injury that always involved the left side, and four had bilateral lesions. When a CML was visible radiographically, it was always seen along the medial aspect of the metaphysis; lateral metaphyseal involvement was evident with more extensive injuries and always accompanied medial involvement. Fractures tended to be less conspicuous when acute and were more easily recognized with healing, especially with specimen radiography. Radiographically, the typical fracture separated a medial fragment that was tall and triangular; this appearance was histologically related to the undercutting of the long subperiosteal bone collar. In healing lesions, extension of hypertrophic chondrocytes from the growth plate into the region of the fracture was a consistent finding. CONCLUSION: CML of the distal tibia have distinctive radiologic and histopathologic characteristics that relate to the anatomy of the region. Visualization of these fractures depends on the quality of the radiographs obtained. An understanding of the radiologic and histopathologic features of CML should aid in the recognition of this strong indicator of infant abuse.

The tailored low dose fluoroscopic voiding cystogram for familial reflux screening.

PURPOSE: Radionuclide voiding cystography is generally advocated as a screening study to detect familial reflux. We assessed the efficacy of tailored low dose fluoroscopic voiding cystography for this purpose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 10 boys and 10 girls 9 months to 10 years old (mean age 5 years) who were siblings of patients known to have reflux. The technique used a low dose fluoroscopic system. A tailored voiding cystographic protocol was designed to minimize gonadal radiation dose. RESULTS: Absence of reflux was confirmed in 10 patients. Mean fluoroscopy time was 19 seconds (range 14 to 22), resulting in mean gonadal radiation exposure of less than 1.5 mrad., which is comparable to the lowest reported doses with the radionuclide technique. After reflux was demonstrated in 10 patients the study was immediately converted to a standard fluoroscopic imaging technique to define lower tract anatomy and quantitate reflux, avoiding a second study. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored low dose fluoroscopic voiding cystography appears to be a practical approach for the assessment of familial reflux.

A regional approach to the classic metaphyseal lesion in abused infants: the proximal tibia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the spectrum of morphologic alterations of the classic metaphyseal lesion (CML) involving the proximal tibia of abused infants and to identify features that aid in the radiologic diagnosis and assessment of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one infants who died with evidence of inflicted skeletal injury were studied with high-detail skeletal surveys, resected specimen radiography, and histopathologic analysis. The number of fractures identified, the portions of the proximal tibial metaphyses involved, and the age of the lesions were assessed. RESULTS: Seventeen proximal tibial CMLs were noted. They were bilateral in six instances and unilateral in five. When the lesion was visible radiographically, it always involved the medial aspect of the metaphysis, with involvement of the lateral metaphyseal margin in more extensive injuries. Fractures tended to be less conspicuous when acute and were more easily recognizable with healing, especially with specimen radiography. Histologically, the fracture line consistently undercut the medial subperiosteal bone collar. Extension of hypertrophic chondrocytes from the growth plate into the region of fracture was a common finding. CONCLUSION: The CML of the proximal tibia has distinctive radiologic and histopathologic characteristics that relate to the anatomy of the region. Because the proximal tibia is a common site for this strong indicator of infant abuse, the region should be carefully evaluated with well-collimated, high-detail skeletal radiographs in all cases of suspected infant abuse.

Relationship of the subperiosteal bone collar to metaphyseal lesions in abused infants.

We studied the relationship between the subperiosteal bone collar and forty metaphyseal lesions in specimens obtained at autopsy from ten infants who died with evidence of abuse. The fracture specimens were studied with high-detail radiography and light microscopy. The typical morphological pattern was a fracture extending through the primary spongiosa adjacent to the chondro-osseous junction. As the fracture line approached the cortex, it veered away from the growth plate, undercutting a fragment of bone that was thicker peripherally than it was centrally. Histological examination showed that this peripheral fragment of bone included the subperiosteal bone collar. Inclusion of the subperiosteal bone collar within the peripheral portion of the metaphyseal fracture fragment explains the radiographic appearance of corner fractures and bucket-handle patterns described by Caffey in abused infants.