The neuroimaging mimics of abusive head trauma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Neuroradiology
• Forensic Radiology

Background:

• Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of severe injury and death in children under two.
• Clinical presentation and examination findings in suspected AHT can be nonspecific.
• Neuroimaging is crucial for diagnosis, but certain conditions can mimic AHT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and illustrate the neuroimaging findings of conditions that mimic AHT.
• To identify key imaging features that differentiate mimics from true AHT.
• To enhance radiologists' awareness of differential diagnoses in suspected AHT cases.

Main Methods:

• Review of peer-reviewed literature on radiological mimics of AHT.
• Analysis of neuroimaging characteristics of various mimicking conditions.
• Comparison of imaging findings between AHT and its differentials.

Main Results:

• Several traumatic and non-traumatic conditions can present with imaging findings similar to AHT.
• Specific imaging patterns can help distinguish mimics such as accidental trauma, metabolic disorders, or infections from AHT.
• Understanding these differentiating features is critical for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists must be aware of the imaging differentials for AHT to avoid misdiagnosis.
• Careful analysis of neuroimaging features is essential for differentiating AHT from mimicking conditions.
• Accurate diagnosis of AHT has significant clinical and legal ramifications.