Denouement and Discussion
Cao Gío (Pseudo-Battering in Vietnamese Children)
Manifestations
Cao gío is the Vietnamese folk practice of dermabrasion and can be mistaken for trauma. It is performed (on children and adults) as treatment for various maladies, including fever and headache. The trunk is massaged with hot oil until the skin is warm. Firm downward strokes with the edge of a coin are used to produce linear petechiae or purpura that often overlie bony surfaces. Irregular purpuric lesions and diffuse petechiae are also present. Ca̧o gío is a common practice in the Vietnamese culture and should not be confused with abuse.
Treatment
No specific treatment is indicated.The Editors welcome contributions to "Picture of the Month" and "Radiological Case of the Month." Those who wish to contribute should send their manuscripts to Dr Gellis (Picture of the Month), Boston Floating Hospital, 20 Ash St, Boston, MA 02111, or Dr Gwinn