Keeping an Open Mind: Cognitive Bias in the Evaluation of an Infant with Posterior-Lateral Rib Fractures

A four-month-old former premature male is incidentally found to have posterior-lateral rib fractures during evaluation of a febrile illness. This finding led to the initiation of a workup for nonaccidental trauma. A thorough history and physical exam ultimately led to the diagnosis, which was not re...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Katie Johnson, Donald Chris Derauf, Raymond Stetson, Paul Galardy, Jason Homme
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2017-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Pediatrics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/5163094
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Summary:A four-month-old former premature male is incidentally found to have posterior-lateral rib fractures during evaluation of a febrile illness. This finding led to the initiation of a workup for nonaccidental trauma. A thorough history and physical exam ultimately led to the diagnosis, which was not related to abuse. This case highlights a rare sequela of patent ductus arteriosus repair, cautions medical teams to remain aware of how cognitive bias can affect diagnostic decision-making, and emphasizes the importance of a thorough history, physical exam, and medical record review in cases of suspected nonaccidental trauma.
ISSN:2090-6803
2090-6811