Pediatric radiological diagnostic procedures in cases of suspected child abuse.

[child syndrome]

Advanced and specialized radiological diagnostic procedures are essential in cases of clinically diagnosed injuries to the head , thorax , abdomen or extremities of a child , especially if there is no case history or if the reporting of an inadequate trauma suggests battered child syndrome . In particular , these diagnostic procedures should aim at detecting lesions of the central nervous system (CNS ), so that the treatment can be immediately initiated . If the diagnostic imaging reveals findings typically associated with child abuse , accurate documentation constituting evidence , which will stand up in court , is required to prevent any further endangerment of the child 's welfare .