PubMed1975
In this paper the "verschleierter Pflegeschaden" is defined. The syndrome is well discribed by the English expression "child abuse and neglect". However the German expression is used to avoid prejudice and offense to the caretakers before the culprit is found. The clinical and mainly the radiological symptoms are listed with reference to recent literature dealing with the diagnostic value of these symptoms. The "verschleierter Pflegeschaden" includes problems of malnutrition and rickets as well as scurvy. They are partly evidence of neglect. Short reference is made to differential-diagnosis. Psychological, socioeconomical and family problems involved are briefly mentioned in respect to statistical data. They are included in this brief survey in order to lead from the mere collection of radiological symptoms to an understanding of the many different aspects of the clinical syndrome. The necessity of early diagnosis and rapid information of the referring physician and/or institution is pointed out. Both, the high incidence of reocurrence rate and the high risk for siblings requires immediate action.