Direct microwave burns in an infant: Description of burn characteristics, management and outcome

A month old infant was directly exposed to a 900 W microwave oven for unknown duration (estimated <30 s). The infant suffered severe burns to the left arm and leg. Initial treatment involved ICU monitoring and fasciotomies of the affected extremities. After four days a forearm amputation was performed because all muscle and extensive skin areas were nonviable. Microwave burns affect water containing tissue most and tissue closest to the radiation source generates more heat. Macroscopic skin condition is a poor indicator of burn severity. Hence fasciotomies and surgical exploration are indicated in combination with initial ICU monitoring for systemic and neurologic effects. Eighteen months post-injury the child had recovered fully, the amputation healed well and there was no apparent growth disturbance of the left leg. This case demonstrates the importance of rapid and frequent wound exploration and other diagnostic modalities to identify non-ionizing radiation injury. Long term follow-up into adulthood is recommended to monitor growth disturbances or other unknown long term effects of non-ionizing radiation exposure.