Characteristics of child abuse by anteroposterior manual compression versus cardiopulmonary resuscitation: case reports

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2000 Mar;21(1):5-10. doi: 10.1097/00000433-200003000-00002.

Abstract

Lethal and sublethal injuries to infants caused by anteroposterior manual compression can be accompanied by lateral rib fractures, hemorrhage into the viscera, and when severe, rupture of large vessels and solid organs. Abusers may claim that these injuries were sustained in an attempt to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The difference between injuries caused by CPR and injuries caused by inflicted anteroposterior compression is examined in one sublethal and two lethal cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation* / adverse effects
  • Child Abuse*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Thoracic Injuries / etiology*
  • Thoracic Injuries / pathology*