Cardiac Ventricle Laceration in a Battered Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Cardiac laceration in child abuse cases is uncommon. Very few case studies are available illustrating the
left ventricular rupture following blunt chest injuries. This article presents a case of sudden death of a two
and a half year-old female child brought with history of fall on level ground while playing. The autopsy
revealed multiple types of injuries over the whole body with duration varying from less than a day to more
than 6 months old. Left ventricular rupture and liver laceration were the primary injuries contributing to
death. Child abuse cases should never be examined with a preconception of finding the classical features of
intracranial hematomas.