Pediatric strangulation is an underappreciated and underresearched form of child physical abuse. While children who are strangled may have many of the same symptoms adults have, the way those symptoms are assessed for and identified may differ. Pediatric patients who have been strangled are at risk for variable injuries; however, the life threatening injuries of concern are somewhat different than those in the adult population. Skin injuries related to strangulation may or may not be present and, when present, they may be subtle, missed and/or misinterpreted. This presentation will review the state of the available medical literature on pediatric strangulation, identification, medical evaluation, differential diagnosis, photodocumentation, documentation, and multiple demonstrative cases.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the current state of the medical literature on pediatric strangulation
Explain the current state of imaging recommendations for pediatric strangulation
Iterate how to approach obtaining information about the signs and symptoms that may be associated with pediatric strangulation
