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Brief resolved unexplained events vs. child maltreatment: a review of clinical overlap and evaluation

  • Child abuse imaging
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Abstract

Within their first year, a number of infants present for medical evaluation because of unexplained changes in color, tone, breathing, or level of responsiveness. This broad collection of symptoms has an accordingly large differential diagnosis that includes both brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) and child maltreatment. The overlap between clinical presentation for BRUE and maltreatment can present a diagnostic challenge — especially given the significant consequences for infants and families for diagnostic error at that juncture. In this review, we provide overviews of the presenting features and findings in cases of BRUE and child maltreatment with a focus on areas of overlap and differentiation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Barbara H. Chaiyachati & Joanne N. Wood

  2. Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection and Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Barbara H. Chaiyachati & Joanne N. Wood

  3. Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Barbara H. Chaiyachati & Joanne N. Wood

  4. Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Joanne N. Wood

  5. PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Joanne N. Wood

Authors
  1. Barbara H. Chaiyachati
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  2. Joanne N. Wood
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Correspondence to Joanne N. Wood.

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The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has received payment for Dr. Chaiyachati’s and Dr. Wood’s expert testimony following subpoenas in cases of suspected child abuse.

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Chaiyachati, B.H., Wood, J.N. Brief resolved unexplained events vs. child maltreatment: a review of clinical overlap and evaluation. Pediatr Radiol 51, 866–871 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-020-04793-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-020-04793-z

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