MONGOLIAN SPOTS CAN MIMIC BODY INJURIES: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Mongolian spots are congenital dermatological conditions often observed in the neonatal period resulting from the migration of melanocytes to the dermis during embryogenesis. They are bluish grey spots typically located in the lumbosacral region, which tend to regress in the first years of life. As skin lesions are frequent signs in infant maltreatment, Mongolian spots can be misinterpreted as ecchymoses, which would lead to a false diagnosis. This can culminate in serious and dramatic consequences for the patient and family, as well as overloading the public system. Therefore, it is essential that health professionals know how to differentiate Mongolian stains from injuries resulting from child abuse. This study aims to describe a case that was mistakenly attributed to mistreatment for the presence of Mongolian spots in atypical places.