Abuse: Radiologists Play Key Role In Child Abuse Cases

Radiologists Play Key Role In Child Abuse Cases: Electronic Exhibit Outlines Signs Of Abuse: "There are a number of indications of abuse that can be seen using radiography and other imaging techniques, said Andrea Walker, DO, who, along with her mentor Vesna Kriss, MD, has put together an interactive exhibit of cases from the University of Kentucky Medical Center designed to help radiologists confidently diagnose child abuse.
A red flag should go up when a radiologist finds fractures in different stages of healing, posterior rib fractures, fractures at the very end of the long bones (which can occur when a child has been shaken) and long bone fractures in children who are not walking, said Dr. Walker. In addition, MR imaging of the brain can detect repeated hemorrhages and MR spectroscopy can detected elevated lactate levels, which are found in hypoxic (loss or reduction of oxygen) injuries."