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Ophthalmologic findings in abusive head trauma
Disha Jain1, Lien Le1, Natalie Kissoon2
1Baylor College of Medicine, 6701 Fannin St., 17th Floor, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|July 4, 2024
Summary
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a major cause of infant injury. Multilayered, numerous retinal hemorrhages from the posterior pole to the ora serrata are highly suspicious for AHT.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in infants.
- Ophthalmologic findings are critical in diagnosing AHT, with various injuries observed in affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the common ophthalmologic findings associated with AHT.
- To emphasize the importance of ophthalmologic consultation in suspected AHT cases.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical signs and ophthalmologic findings in AHT.
- Importance of indirect ophthalmoscopy in diagnosis.
- Integration of physical examination, history, imaging, and lab work to determine etiology.
Main Results:
- Common ophthalmologic findings include retinal hemorrhages, retinoschisis, subconjunctival hemorrhages, corneal injury, and globe rupture.
- Multilayered, numerous retinal hemorrhages extending from the posterior pole to the ora serrata are highly indicative of AHT.
Conclusions:
- Ophthalmologic evaluation is crucial for diagnosing AHT.
- Specific patterns of retinal hemorrhages are strong indicators of abusive head trauma.
