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Published on: June 18, 2021
Progression of chronic subdural haematomas in an infant boy after abusive head trauma
E Wuerfel nee Tysiak1, Dirk Petersen, Stefan Gottschalk
1Department of Pediatrics, University Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany. eva.wuerfel@googlemail.com
Insights
Abusive head trauma in infants can cause severe injury. This case study highlights progressive chronic subdural hematomas, emphasizing neuroimaging
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity.
- Diagnosis can be challenging in ambiguous cases lacking direct evidence.
- Neuroimaging plays a critical role in identifying AHT patterns.
Observation:
- A case of AHT in an infant boy with progressive multifocal chronic subdural hematomas and re-bleedings is presented.
- The hematomas evolved during closely monitored inpatient care, making re-traumatization unlikely.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) documented the hematoma progression.
Findings:
- The study demonstrates the dynamic evolution of chronic subdural hematomas in AHT.
- Neurosurgical intervention, including endoscopic craniotomy and CSF drainage, led to favorable recovery.
- This case underscores the importance of serial neuroimaging in diagnosing and managing AHT.
Implications:
- Findings contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematomas in AHT.
- Highlights the need for careful clinical evaluation and advanced neuroimaging in suspected AHT.
- Informs clinical practice and psychosocial support for AHT victims and their families.
Abstract:
Abusive head trauma is a serious form of child abuse that can lead to severe neuropsychological sequelae or death in infants. In questionable cases, without a confession from the caregivers and ambiguous clinical information, evidence for the diagnosis of abusive head trauma is often based on typical patterns that have been observed in neuro-imaging. This study shows the progressive evolution of multifocal chronic subdural haematomas, including re-bleedings, in a case of abusive head trauma in an infant boy who was documented with repeated magnetic resonance imaging. The chronic subdural haematomas occurred during closely monitored in-patient rehabilitative care, and repeated maltreatment did not appear to be likely. Due to excessive growth, neurosurgical intervention with endoscopic craniotomy, evacuation of the subdural haematomas and temporal external cerebrospinal fluid drainage was performed with a favourable recovery. This study discusses the current pathophysiological knowledge concerning the development and clinical course of chronic subdural haematomas and draws relevant conclusions for the clinical practice and psychosocial management of caring for victims of abusive head trauma.
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