High Resolution X-ray Systems Aid in Detection of Infant Abuse

For Release: May 8, 1997

Contact: Michael J. Bernstein (703) 648-8910
Carolyn J. Loss (703) 648-8928; [email protected]

High Resolution X-ray Systems Aid in Detection of Infant Abuse

Radiologists who use high resolution x-ray systems, rather than standard systems, are more likely to detect fractures due to child abuse, according to a University of Massachusetts study. "This is the first study that demonstrates a relationship between the detection of infant abuse and the resolution of the system used,"reports Dr. Paul K. Kleinman, lead study investigator, and director , Imaging Center for Child Abuse and Neglect, at the University of Massachusetts.

The results of the study were presented May 8 at the American Roentgen Ray Society's 97th Annual Meeting in Boston, MA.

Dr. Kleinman said most people assume that the commonly used pediatric imaging systems offer sufficient detail or spatial resolution to detect fractures that occur with infant abuse. This study evaluated several film screen systems from six manufacturers that distribute their products in North America, Dr. Kleinman said.

An infant would be evaluated for child abuse when his or her injuries could not be explained some other way, such as being involved in a car accident or a natural illness, Dr. Kleinman said.

Each year, over 2 million cases of suspected child abuse and neglect are reported, and between 2,000 and 5,000 children are killed by their caretakers, according to Dr. Kleinman.

"An analogy with mammography is appropriate here," Kleinman said, "Everyone agrees that to get the best detection of early breast cancer, high detail imaging equipment is needed. The same principle

applies to another public health problem--child abuse. We need to employ a high detail imaging system in order to maximize detection of a condition, that, if undetected, could be fatal."

The American Roentgen Ray Society, with some 12,000 members, is the first and oldest radiological society in the United States. The society is dedicated to the advancement of medicine through the science of radiology.

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