Esophageal perforation with mediastinal abscess in child abuse.

A case of mediastinitis and mediastinal abscess due to cervical esophageal perforation in a 9/12 month old girl who was a victim of child abuse and possible sexual assault is reported. Injury to the hypopharynx or esophagus with child abuse as a possible etiology should be considered when an infant or young child presents with unexplained erythematous neck swelling, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and/or wide mediastinum.