Penile phlegmon as a differential diagnosis to child abuse

A 14-month-old infant was presented because of a livid swelling of the penis that looked like a hematoma. Since the anamnestic information did not provide a plausible explanation for a possible course of an accident, a non-accidental injury was initially suspected. The social history also provided indications in this direction. It then turned out that the cause of the swelling and discoloration was caused by penile phlegmon, which was quickly and successfully treated with i.v. antibiotic treatment.