Two cases of sublingual hematoma as a manifestation of child abuse

Ear Nose Throat J. 2015 Dec;94(12):494-6.

Abstract

Common intraoral manifestations of child abuse include tears of the frenula, burns, and pharyngeal perforations. Sublingual hematomas can also occur as a result of trauma, but to the best of our knowledge, only 1 case has been previously described in the context of child abuse. We report 2 new cases of sublingual hematoma in infants that were the result of physical abuse. Cases of sublingual hematoma in infants and children without a clear and legitimate explanation of the cause should prompt consideration of child abuse.

MeSH terms

  • Child Abuse*
  • Female
  • Hematoma / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Tongue Diseases / etiology*