POSTMORTEM RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION IN INFANTS - EVIDENCE OF CHILD-ABUSE

We examined the value of post-mortem radiological examination of infan ts who were brought in for medico-legal autopsy. Twenty children betwe en the age of 1 month and 15 months died under the picture of SIDS, No radiological or other signs of previous child abuse were seen in our autopsy material, A fatal case of child abuse with several metaphyseal fractures is reported. Some fractures were not visible on gross exami nation, but could be demonstrated by radiography and histology, In our material no association between SIDS and child abuse was found. In su spected cases of child abuse, particularly rib fractures and metaphyse al fractures should be sought. We recommend that post-mortem radiograp hy is performed in such cases. If fractures are demonstrated, they sho uld be verified by histologic examination. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science I reland Ltd.