Acute pulmonary thromboembolism in a case of fatal child abuse
- Author:
Razuin Rahimi
;
Zahilah Filzah Zulkifli
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
child abuse, physical abuse, acute pulmonary thromboembolism, autopsy
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2017;39(1):83-87
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Child abuse is a worldwide problem. The four major types of abuse include physical abuse, child
neglect, psychological maltreatment and sexual violence. We describe a fatal case of child abuse
which presented with numerous old and recent soft tissue injuries all over the body. The injuries on
the legs have immobilized the victim for quite some time, giving rise to deep vein thrombosis, leading
to death as a result of acute pulmonary thromboembolism. This case demonstrates presence of both
elements of abuse and neglect in one victim. As this category of crime involves a helpless child,
we would also like to reiterate that the community has an obligation to prevent such tragedies and
educating the public to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse would be of utmost important.
Ultimately, the community must also be responsible for reporting such offences and the act of
silence is akin to condoning a crime witnessed.
- Full text:P020170515589293537489.pdf
