Citation

Wong NZ, Rosen TE, Sanchez AM, Bloemen EM, Mennitt KW, Hentel K, Nicola R, Murphy K, LoFaso VM, Flomenbaum NE, Lachs MS. Can. Assoc. Radiol. J. 2016; 68(1): 16-20.

Affiliation

Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Canadian Association of Radiologists, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.carj.2016.06.001

PMID

27745989

Abstract

PURPOSE: Emergency department assessment represents a critical but often missed opportunity to identify elder abuse, which is common and has serious consequences. Among emergency care providers, diagnostic radiologists are optimally positioned to raise suspicion for mistreatment when reviewing imaging of geriatric injury victims. However, little literature exists describing relevant injury patterns, and most radiologists currently receive neither formal nor informal training in elder abuse identification.

METHODS: We present 2 cases to begin characterisation of the radiographic findings in elder abuse.

RESULTS: Findings from these cases demonstrate similarities to suspicious findings in child abuse including high-energy fractures that are inconsistent with reported mechanisms and the coexistence of acute and chronic injuries. Specific injuries uncommon to accidental injury are also noted, including a distal ulnar diaphyseal fracture.

CONCLUSIONS: We hope to raise awareness of elder abuse among diagnostic radiologists to encourage future large-scale research, increased focus on chronic osseous findings, and the addition of elder abuse to differential diagnoses.

Copyright © 2016 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en