Summary: A new study presented at the Radiological Society of North America meeting reports that people who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and also have suicidal thoughts or behaviors show distinct, more severe injury patterns on medical imaging. These patients were disproportionately seen in emergency settings at night and had much higher rates of head, spinal, and deep internal injuries.
The research shows that IPV and suicidal behavior each independently increase injury severity, and when both are present the risk is greatest. Recognizing these imaging signatures may help clinicians identify hidden risk and intervene earlier to prevent further harm.
Key Facts
- Sixfold increase in head injuries: Individuals reporting IPV with suicidal behavior had more than six times the rate of head, face, and neck injuries compared with patients without these histories.
- More frequent ER and nighttime presentations: This group was far more likely to present to emergency departments and to arrive during night hours.
- Independent risk effects: Both IPV and suicidal behavior independently doubled overall recorded injury rates and compounded risk when occurring together.
Source: RSNA
Overview
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed records for 1,451 women who reported intimate partner violence to their hospitals between 2013 and 2018. Using clinical coding that identified suicidal behavior (including suicide attempts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation), investigators categorized patients into four groups: IPV with suicidal behavior, IPV without suicidal behavior, suicidal behavior without IPV, and patients without IPV or suicidal behavior.
The team reviewed imaging reports interpreted by two experienced emergency radiologists and examined when and where patients presented for care (day versus night; emergency department versus non-ED settings). Their goal was to identify whether imaging patterns correlate with the presence of IPV, suicidal behavior, or both.
Major findings
Suicidal behavior was more common among patients who reported IPV (16.7%) than among those without a history of IPV (2.5%). Most patients with suicidal behavior developed these symptoms after reporting IPV. Compared with other cohorts, patients with both IPV and suicidal behavior were more likely to present at night and to be seen in emergency departments.
Review of imaging reports demonstrated that both IPV and suicidal behavior independently doubled the overall injury rate in comparison with patients who had neither factor. Typical injuries among IPV victims included trauma to the head, face, neck and upper limbs—areas commonly affected during assaults. Patients with both IPV and suicidal behavior had markedly higher frequencies of serious injuries: over six times as many head/face/neck injuries, nearly four times as many spinal fractures, three times as many deep internal injuries, and twice as many upper-extremity injuries. They also showed nearly twice the rate of severe injuries and three times the rate of mild injuries.
When the independent contributions were examined, suicidal behavior more strongly influenced upper-extremity injury rates, while IPV had a stronger association with head/face/neck injuries. These distinctions suggest that imaging can reveal different risk signatures depending on whether IPV, suicidal thoughts, or both are present.
Clinical implications
The authors emphasize that many people experiencing IPV hide their circumstances because of fear, stigma, or distrust of the medical system. Radiologists, who often see injuries that other clinicians may not detect, are in a unique position to identify suspicious patterns on imaging and prompt further screening, social support, and safety planning.
According to the study team, recognizing recurring imaging patterns—especially among patients who present at night or in emergency settings—can help initiate timely interventions that could prevent self-harm and save lives.
Study co-authors include Emily Y. Yang, B.S., Alexander Kwon, Krishna Patel, Tatiana C. Rocha, M.D., Maria A. Duran-Mendicuti, M.D., Bernard Rosner, Ph.D., and senior author Bharti Khurana, M.D., M.B.A., founding director of the Trauma Imaging Research and Innovation Center (TIRIC).
Funding: This research was supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and the Office of the Director at the National Institutes of Health.
Key Questions Answered:
A: Yes. Distinct injury patterns on imaging strongly correlate with suicidal behavior among people reporting intimate partner violence, offering an additional tool to identify hidden risk.
A: Head, face, neck, spine, and upper limb injuries were particularly common and more severe in patients with both IPV and suicidal behavior.
A: These imaging patterns may allow clinicians to detect hidden danger earlier and to implement interventions—such as safety planning, psychiatric evaluation, or social support—before self-harm occurs.
Editorial Notes:
- This article was edited by a Neuroscience News editor.
- The journal paper was reviewed in full by editorial staff.
- Additional context was provided by the publication’s staff.
About this IPV, neuroimaging, and suicide research news
Author: Linda Brooks
Source: RSNA
Contact: Linda Brooks – RSNA
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: The findings were presented at the 111th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).