Imperforate hymen: Congenital or acquired from sexual abuse?

Imperforate hymen diagnosed beyond the newborn period may present a dilemma for the physician. Three case studies are reviewed in which children with the diagnoses of imperforate hymen presented for evaluation of suspected se xual abuse. Clear descriptions of genital anatomy documented at well-child visits may be critical to later interpretations of findings encountered dur ing examinations for suspected sexual abuse.