Citation

Morad Y, Wygnansky-Jaffe T, Levin AV. Clin. Exp. Ophthal. 2010; 38(5): 514-520.

Affiliation

Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zrifin.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1442-9071.2010.02291.x

PMID

20584025

Abstract

Paediatric abusive head injury may have grave consequences, especially when characterized by repetitive acceleration-deceleration forces (shaken baby syndrome). Death occurs in approximately 30% and permanent neurologic damage in up to 80% of the victims. Retinal haemorrhages are a cardinal sign seen in approximately 85% of cases. In most cases haemorrhages are preretinal, intraretinal and subretinal, too numerous to count, and involving the entire retinal surface extending to the ora serrata. Traumatic macular retinoschisis is a lesion with important diagnostic significance. Vitreoretinal traction appears to be the mechanism of haemorrhage and schisis formation along with a possible role of orbital tissue trauma from repetitive acceleration-deceleration forces. Ophthalmologists must carefully document ocular findings. Appropriate autopsy examination should include ocular and orbital tissue removal. Although there is a wide differential diagnosis for retinal haemorrhages, clinical appearance, when considered in the context of systemic and laboratory findings, usually leads to the correct diagnosis.

Language: en