Trichobezoar in Vagina: Assessment for Child Sexual Abuse and Diagnostic Result of Forensic Science

Bag O., Acar B. H., Ozturk S., Alsen S., Ecevit C.

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, vol.62, no.2, pp.525-527, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 62 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/1556-4029.13282
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.525-527
  • Keywords: forensic science, child sexual abuse, vaginal foreign body, trichobezoar, child advocacy center, forensic interview, FOREIGN-BODIES, DISCHARGE, GIRLS, BODY
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Vaginal discharge and bleeding in children require a through and thoughtful evaluation to diagnose the underlying problem including infections, sexual abuse, and vaginal foreign bodies. We report a 6-year-old girl presenting with bloody vaginal discharge, carefully evaluated for sexual abuse, and finally diagnosed as a vaginal foreign body after vaginoscopy. A rolling hair ball was extracted from the vagina and was diagnosed as trichobezoar pathologically without any endo-ecto-mesodermal residual tissue. The hair ball was genetically detected and diagnosed to belong herself by containing no foreign structure. Child sexual abuse was ruled out by forensic interview at CAC and report of forensic science that reported genetic structure belonging to the child. Medicolegal assessment helped in final diagnosis to exclude child sexual abuse.