Intravaginal Foreign Bodies in Children: Two Forensic Case Reports
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
14th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 26-27 September 2025 | Mumbai, India
Introduction
Child sexual abuse is a deeply concerning issue, often presenting with varied clinical findings that range from obvious anogenital injuries to a complete absence of symptoms. Among the less common but important clinical findings are intravaginal foreign bodies in children. These can be linked to possible abuse, accidental insertion, or play, but they almost always raise sensitive medicolegal and forensic questions. Unfortunately, due to their nonspecific symptoms—like persistent vaginal discharge or bleeding diagnosis is frequently delayed, and this delay can have both clinical and legal consequences.
Case Highlights
We present two instructive cases that underline the challenges of diagnosing intravaginal foreign bodies in children:
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Case 1: A 4-Year-Old Girl
A cylindrical battery was discovered and removed from the vagina of a 4-year-old child. The diagnosis was initially delayed because only an X-ray was used, which was insufficient for early detection. -
Case 2: An 11-Year-Old Girl
An older girl suffered from persistent vaginal discharge for three months. She was treated repeatedly with antibiotics until a vaginoscopic examination revealed a hair clip lodged inside her vagina.
In both cases, comprehensive forensic and psychiatric evaluations ruled out sexual abuse. However, the delays in accurate diagnosis raised concerns about potential medical malpractice.
Key Lessons for Clinical and Forensic Practice
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Persistent vaginal discharge or bleeding in children should always raise suspicion of a foreign body.
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Ultrasonography is helpful for initial evaluation, but vaginoscopy remains the gold standard for accurate diagnosis.
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Every case must be evaluated with sensitivity to the possibility of sexual abuse, ensuring appropriate legal reporting when required.
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Delayed diagnosis not only prolongs patient suffering but can also expose healthcare professionals to malpractice claims.
Conclusion
Intravaginal foreign bodies in children are rare but clinically significant findings that require careful evaluation. A high index of suspicion, timely diagnosis, and collaboration between clinicians and forensic experts are essential to safeguard the child’s health, ensure legal compliance, and avoid medico-legal complications.
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