Physical Abuse Creating Cauliflower Ear in an Infant: A Discussion of Mechanism and Review of the Literature

Abstract

We evaluated an infant with flagrantly abusive injury. However, he had a history of prior isolated ear hematoma that was not properly recognized as a sign of trauma, harshly illustrating a missed opportunity when early diagnosis may have prevented escalating abusive injury. In addition, we reviewed and summarized the last two decades of literature related to this topic to better understand previously described findings in similar populations; these were scant. This case report emphasizes the importance of detecting sentinel injuries that forebode child maltreatment.

Keywords: Child maltreatment; child abuse; physical abuse; physical violence.

Fig. 1

A patterned abrasion and scaphal nodule on the right ear of a 5-month-old infant

Fig. 2

Persistent ear nodule and resolution of conchal bowl swelling upon 2-week follow-up

Fig. 3

Permanent right ear deformity at 6-month follow-up