nl_e17

False Allegations of Child Abuse
lesions)
● Streptococcal cellulitis of perianal tissues (causes red, inflamed tissues)
● Molluscum contagiosum (warty lesions)
● Verruca vulgaris (common warts)
● Vaginitis caused by streptococcus or enteric organisms
● Urethral prolapse (causes bleeding, appearance of trauma)
● Vaginal foreign bodies (may cause bleeding, discharge)
Non-Specific Findings
● Erythema (redness) of the vestibule or perianal tissues (may be due to irritants, infection
or trauma)
● Increased vascularity (dilation of existing blood vessels) of vestibule (may be due to local
irritants)
● Labial adhesions (may be due to irritation or rubbing)
● Vaginal discharge (many causes)
● Friability of the posterior fourchette or commissure (may be due to irritation, infection, or
may be caused by examiner's traction on the labia majora)
● "Thickened hymen" (may be due to estrogen effect, folded edge of hymen, swelling from
infection, or swelling from trauma)
● Apparent genital warts (may be skin tags or warts not of the genital type, may be
condyloma accuminata which was acquired from perinatal transmission or other nonsexual
transmission)
● Anal fissures (usually due to constipation or peri-anal irritation)
● Flattened anal folds (may be due to relaxation of the external sphincter)
● Anal dilation with stool present (a normal reflex)
● Venous congestion, or venous pooling (usually due to positioning of child, also seen in
constipation)
http://www.pathguy.com/abuse.htm (13 of 17) [6/5/2005 8:41:13 PM]