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Ahmad D, Small A, Gibson A, Kissoon N. Developmental outcomes in abusive head trauma. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2024; 50:101142. [PMID: 38964813 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2024.101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is associated with high mortality and poorer outcomes compared to accidental head injuries. The short and long-term developmental outcomes for AHT are not well identified. Variability in outcome measures, small sample sizes, difficulty in measuring domain-specific developmental skills, co-existence of comorbidities, genetic and environmental factors and high attrition rates all contribute to the challenges on providing data in this area. The objective of this article is to review the scientific literature on the developmental outcomes of AHT, highlighting factors that affect outcomes, the available assessment tools, and short and long-term developmental outcomes, recommended follow up, societal costs, and future opportunities for research. Authors searched OVID Medline and PubMed for articles published between 2013 and 2023 using the terms "abuse", "craniocerebral trauma" and "development". Fifty-five records were included for this review. The data shows that injuries sustained from AHT result in a spectrum of outcomes ranging from normal development to death. There are more than 100 outcome assessment tools limiting the ability to compare studies. More than half of patients are left with disabilities post discharge. Gross motor and cognition/academics are the 2 most common domains studied. Advancement in surgical and neurocritical care management has influenced AHT outcomes. Close long-term follow up is recommended to maximize each child's developmental potential, irrespective of the presence of disability at discharge. We suggest that future research should focus on adopting a consistent diagnostic and assessment approach and explore the social environmental factors that can affect recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Ahmad
- UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), USA.
| | | | - Ashley Gibson
- UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), USA
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2
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Schermerhorn SMV, Muensterer OJ, Ignacio RC. Identification and Evaluation of Non-Accidental Trauma in the Pediatric Population: A Clinical Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:413. [PMID: 38671630 PMCID: PMC11049109 DOI: 10.3390/children11040413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Non-accidental trauma (NAT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for children around the world and most significantly impacts children under one year of age. Prompt and comprehensive treatment of these children relies on a high index of suspicion from any medical provider that treats pediatric patients. This review discusses those most at risk for experiencing NAT, and common initial presentations, to assist providers in the identification of potential victims. In addition, this review provides guidance on the recommended workup for these patients so that the full extent of associated injuries may be identified and the appropriate healthcare team may be assembled.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver J. Muensterer
- LMU Medical Center, Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Lindwurmstrasse 4, 80337 Munich, Germany;
| | - Romeo C. Ignacio
- Department of Surgery, UCSD School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
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3
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Al Qahtani SS, Alfaraj D, Alzayer MO, Juma Z, Abdulla M, Faraj H, Juma A, Moussa MM. Navigating the Challenges of Delayed Subdural Hemorrhage and COVID-19: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e54853. [PMID: 38533152 PMCID: PMC10964122 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The delayed onset of posttraumatic subdural hemorrhage (SDH) represents non-specific clinical features, complicating the diagnostic process, especially in individuals predisposed due to pre-existing risk factors and comorbidities. This case report delineates the medical trajectory of a 61-year-old female patient who sustained a traumatic fall, initially displaying neither clinical nor radiological signs indicative of hemorrhage. However, three weeks post-injury, she developed altered mental status, cephalgia, and emesis. Diagnostic imaging unveiled a significant bilateral acute-on-chronic subdural hemorrhage exerting pronounced mass effect and leading to obliteration of the basal cisterns. Complicating her clinical picture was a concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection and a medical history of hypertension. Emergent neurosurgical intervention was undertaken, encompassing the creation of bilateral burr holes for drainage and the placement of subdural drains. The patient was managed with the requisite medical therapies. Post-operatively, the patient regained consciousness and exhibited significant neurological improvement. Follow-up imaging demonstrated complete resolution of the subdural hemorrhage, and the patient achieved a full recovery of cognitive function. This case underscores the critical necessity for vigilant surveillance for delayed SDH in patients lacking initial radiographic findings and advocates for individualized therapeutic approaches in patients with concurrent pathologies. Prompt recognition, timely neurosurgical management, and care are pivotal to optimizing outcomes in delayed posttraumatic SDH cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh S Al Qahtani
- Internal Medicine Department, Najran University Hospital, Najran, SAU
- Emergency Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Dunya Alfaraj
- Emergency Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Dammam, SAU
- Emergency Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Mohammed O Alzayer
- Emergency Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Zainab Juma
- Emergency Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Mohamed Abdulla
- Emergency Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Husain Faraj
- Emergency Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Abdulla Juma
- Emergency Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Mohamed M Moussa
- Emergency Department, King Fahad University Hospital, Dammam, SAU
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Macher J, Porter RS, Levin AV. Ophthalmic imaging in abusive head trauma. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 139:106106. [PMID: 36867971 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ophthalmic imaging plays an increasingly important role the evaluation of abusive head trauma, however these imaging modalities may be unfamiliar to non-ophthalmologists. OBJECTIVE To provide pediatricians and child abuse pediatric professionals with background on ophthalmic imaging techniques in the context of suspected abuse, as well as information on commercial options and costs for those interested in augmenting their ophthalmic imaging capabilities. METHODS We performed a review of the ophthalmic imaging literature for fundus photography, ocular coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, ocular ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and postmortem imaging. We also contacted individual vendors for equipment pricing information. RESULTS For each ophthalmic imaging modality, we demonstrate its role in the evaluation of abusive head trauma including indications, potential findings, sensitivity and specificity of findings for abuse, and commercial options. CONCLUSIONS Ophthalmic imaging is an important supportive component of the evaluation for abusive head trauma. When used in conjunction with clinical examination, ophthalmic imaging can improve diagnostic accuracy, support documentation, and possibly improve communication in medicolegal contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Macher
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Randall S Porter
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Alex V Levin
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA; Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Flaum Eye Institute, Rochester, NY, USA; Clinical Genetics, Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Ferguson NM, Rebsamen S, Field AS, Guerrero JM, Rosario BL, Broman AT, Rathouz PJ, Bell MJ, Alexander AL, Ferrazzano PA. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Infants with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and Associations with Abusive Head Trauma. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9071092. [PMID: 35884076 PMCID: PMC9322188 DOI: 10.3390/children9071092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) have frequently been excluded from studies due to age and/or mechanism of injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now frequently being utilized to detect parenchymal injuries and early cerebral edema. We sought to assess MRI findings in infants with severe TBI, and to determine the association between specific MRI findings and mechanisms of injury, including abusive head trauma (AHT). MRI scans performed within the first 30 days after injury were collected and coded according to NIH/NINDS Common Data Elements (CDEs) for Neuroimaging in subjects age < 2 years old with severe TBI enrolled in the Approaches and Decisions in Acute Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Trial. Demographics and injury characteristics were analyzed. A total of 81 children were included from ADAPT sites with MRI scans. Median age was 0.77 years and 57% were male. Most common MRI finding was ischemia, present in 57/81 subjects (70%), in a median of 7 brain regions per subject. Contusion 46/81 (57%) and diffuse axonal injury (DAI) 36/81 (44.4%) subjects followed. Children were dichotomized based on likelihood of AHT with 43/81 subjects classified as AHT. Ischemia was found to be significantly associated with AHT (p = 0.001) and “inflicted” injury mechanism (p = 0.0003). In conclusion, the most common intracerebral injury seen on MRI of infants with severe TBI was ischemia, followed by contusion and DAI. Ischemia was associated with AHT, and ischemia affecting > 4 brain regions was predictive of AHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Miller Ferguson
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Susan Rebsamen
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (S.R.); (A.S.F.)
| | - Aaron S. Field
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (S.R.); (A.S.F.)
| | - Jose M. Guerrero
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.M.G.); (A.L.A.)
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Waisman Brain Imaging Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bedda L. Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Aimee T. Broman
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Paul J. Rathouz
- Department of Population Health, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Michael J. Bell
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA;
| | - Andrew L. Alexander
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.M.G.); (A.L.A.)
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Waisman Brain Imaging Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Peter A. Ferrazzano
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (J.M.G.); (A.L.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-265-4839
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Sayrs LW, Ortiz JB, Notrica DM, Kirsch L, Kelly C, Stottlemyre R, Cohen A, Misra S, Green TR, Adelson PD, Lifshitz J, Rowe RK. Intimate Partner Violence, Clinical Indications, and Other Family Risk Factors Associated With Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP6785-NP6812. [PMID: 33092447 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520967151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Over half of fatal pediatric traumatic brain injuries are estimated to be the result of physical abuse, i.e., abusive head trauma (AHT). Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is a well-established risk for child maltreatment, little is known about IPV as an associated risk factor specifically for AHT. We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of all patients (0-17 years) diagnosed at a Level 1 pediatric trauma center with head trauma who had been referred to an in-hospital child protection team for suspicion of AHT between 2010 and 2016. Data on patient demographics, hospitalization, injury, family characteristics, sociobehavioral characteristics, physical examination, laboratory findings, imaging, discharge, and forensic determination of AHT were extracted from the institution's forensic registry. Descriptive statistics (mean, median), chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare patients with fatal head injuries to patients with nonfatal head injuries by clinical characteristics, family characteristics, and forensic determination. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for the presence of IPV as an associated risk of AHT while controlling for other clinical and family factors. Of 804 patients with suspicion for AHT in the forensic registry, there were 240 patients with a forensic determination of AHT; 42 injuries were fatal. There were 101 families with a reported history of IPV; 64.4% of patients in families with reported IPV were <12 months of age. IPV was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of AHT (Exp(β) = 2.3 [p = .02]). This study confirmed IPV was an associated risk factor for AHT in a single institution cohort of pediatric patients with both fatal and nonfatal injuries. Identifying IPV along with other family factors may improve detection and surveillance of AHT in medical settings and help reduce injury, disability, and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois W Sayrs
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - J Bryce Ortiz
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - David M Notrica
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lisa Kirsch
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Cara Kelly
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Arizona State University School of Social Work, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Aaron Cohen
- Valleywise Health Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shivani Misra
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Tabitha R Green
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - P David Adelson
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rachel K Rowe
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Kwak YH. Diagnosis of Abusive Head Trauma : Neurosurgical Perspective. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2022; 65:370-379. [PMID: 35468707 PMCID: PMC9082129 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2021.0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the most severe form of physical abuse in children. Such injury involves traumatic damage to the head and/or spine of infants and young children. The term AHT was introduced to include a wider range of injury mechanisms, such as intentional direct blow, throw, and even penetrating trauma by perpetuator(s). Currently, it is recommended to replace the former term, shaken baby syndrome, which implicates shaking as the only mechanism, with AHT to include diverse clinical and radiological manifestations. The consequences of AHT cause devastating medical, social and financial burdens on families, communities, and victims. The potential harm of AHT to the developing brain and spinal cord of the victims is tremendous. Many studies have reported that the adverse effects of AHT are various and serious, such as blindness, mental retardation, physical limitation of daily activities and even psychological problems. Therefore, appropriate vigilance for the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT is highly recommended to stop and prevent further injuries. The aim of this review is to summarize the relevant evidence concerning the early recognition and diagnosis of AHT. To recognize this severe type of child abuse early, all health care providers maintain a high index of suspicion and vigilance. Such suspicion can be initiated with careful and thorough history taking and physical examinations. Previously developed clinical prediction rules can be helpful for decision-making regarding starting an investigation when considering meaningful findings. Even the combination of biochemical markers may be useful to predict AHT. For a more confirmative evaluation, neuroradiological imaging is required to find AHT-specific findings. Moreover, timely consultation with ophthalmologists is needed to find a very specific finding, retinal hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ho Kwak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Caré MM. Parenchymal Insults in Abuse—A Potential Key to Diagnosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040955. [PMID: 35454003 PMCID: PMC9029348 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Subdural hemorrhage is a key imaging finding in cases of abusive head trauma and one that many radiologists and radiology trainees become familiar with during their years of training. Although it may prove to be a marker of trauma in a young child or infant that presents without a history of injury, the parenchymal insults in these young patients more often lead to the debilitating and sometimes devastating outcomes observed in this young population. It is important to recognize these patterns of parenchymal injuries and how they may differ from the imaging findings in other cases of traumatic injury in young children. In addition, these parenchymal insults may serve as another significant, distinguishing feature when making the medical diagnosis of abusive head injury while still considering alternative diagnoses, including accidental injury. Therefore, as radiologists, we must strive to look beyond the potential cranial injury or subdural hemorrhage for the sometimes more subtle but significant parenchymal insults in abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite M. Caré
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Orman G, Kralik SF, Desai NK, Singer TG, Kwabena S, Risen S, Huisman TAGM. An In-Depth Analysis of Brain and Spine Neuroimaging in Children with Abusive Head Trauma: Beyond the Classic Imaging Findings. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:764-768. [PMID: 35393363 PMCID: PMC9089255 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. Radiology provides valuable information for this challenging diagnosis, but no single neuroimaging finding is independently diagnostic of abusive head trauma. Our purposes were to describe the prevalence of brain and spine neuroimaging findings and to analyze the association of neuroimaging findings with clinical factors to determine which neuroimaging findings may be used as prognostic indicators. MATERIALS AND METHODS Children with a confirmed abusive head trauma diagnosis between January 2018 to February 2021 were included in this single-center retrospective study. Patient demographics, survival, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, length of hospital stay, and intensive care unit stay were examined. Brain neuroimaging findings were categorized as classic and nonclassic findings. Spine MRIs were also assessed for spinal ligamentous injury, compression fracture, and hemorrhage. The χ2 test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for the analysis. RESULTS One hundred two children (male/female ratio: 75:27; average age, 9.49; range, 0.27-53.8 months) were included. Subdural hematoma was the most common (83.3%) classic neuroimaging finding. Bridging vein thrombosis was the most common (30.4%) nonclassic neuroimaging finding. Spinal ligamentous injury was seen in 23/49 patients. Hypoxic-ischemic injury was significantly higher in deceased children (P = .0001). The Glasgow Coma Scale score was lower if hypoxic-ischemic injury (P < .0001) or spinal ligamentous injury were present (P = .017). The length of hospital stay was longer if intraventricular hemorrhage (P = .04), diffuse axonal injury (P = .017), hypoxic-ischemic injury (P = .001), or arterial stroke (P = .0003) was present. The intensive care unit stay was longer if intraventricular hemorrhage (P = .02), diffuse axonal injury (P = .01), hypoxic-ischemic injury (P < .0001), or spinal ligamentous injury (P = .03) was present. CONCLUSIONS Our results may suggest that a combination of intraventricular hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury, hypoxic-ischemic injury, arterial stroke, and/or spinal ligamentous injury on neuroimaging at presentation may be used as potential poor prognostic indicators in children with abusive head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Orman
- From the Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology (G.O., S.F.K., N.K.D., T.A.G.M.H.)
| | - S F Kralik
- From the Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology (G.O., S.F.K., N.K.D., T.A.G.M.H.)
| | - N K Desai
- From the Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology (G.O., S.F.K., N.K.D., T.A.G.M.H.)
| | - T G Singer
- Global Child Health Residency (T.G.S.).,Division of General Surgery (T.G.S.), Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - S Risen
- Division of Public Health Pediatrics, and Department of Pediatrics (S.R.), Division of Child Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - T A G M Huisman
- From the Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology (G.O., S.F.K., N.K.D., T.A.G.M.H.)
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Maiese A, Iannaccone F, Scatena A, Del Fante Z, Oliva A, Frati P, Fineschi V. Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040734. [PMID: 33924220 PMCID: PMC8074611 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Abusive head trauma (AHT) represents a commonly misdiagnosed condition. In fact, there is no pathognomonic sign that allows the diagnosis in children. Therefore, it is such an important medico-legal challenge to evaluate reliable diagnostic tools. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current scientific evidence to assess what the best practice is in order to diagnose AHT. We have focused particularly on evaluating the importance of circumstantial evidence, clinical history, the use of postmortem radiological examinations (such as CT and MRI), and the performance of the autopsy. After autopsy, histological examination of the eye and brain play an important role, with attention paid to correlation with symptoms found in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (F.I.); (A.S.)
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
| | - Francesca Iannaccone
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (F.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Scatena
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (F.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Zoe Del Fante
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Oliva
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paola Frati
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- IRCSS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-991-2722
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11
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Cartocci G, Fineschi V, Padovano M, Scopetti M, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Giannì C. Shaken Baby Syndrome: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in Abusive Head Trauma. Brain Sci 2021; 11:179. [PMID: 33535601 PMCID: PMC7912837 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In the context of child abuse spectrum, abusive head trauma (AHT) represents the leading cause of fatal head injuries in children less than 2 years of age. Immature brain is characterized by high water content, partially myelinated neurons, and prominent subarachnoid space, thus being susceptible of devastating damage as consequence of acceleration-deceleration and rotational forces developed by violent shaking mechanism. Diagnosis of AHT is not straightforward and represents a medical, forensic, and social challenge, based on a multidisciplinary approach. Beside a detailed anamnesis, neuroimaging is essential to identify signs suggestive of AHT, often in absence of external detectable lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents the radiation-free modality of choice to investigate the most typical findings in AHT, such as subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhage, and hypoxic-ischemic damage and it also allows to detect more subtle signs as parenchymal lacerations, cranio-cervical junction, and spinal injuries. This paper is intended to review the main MRI findings of AHT in the central nervous system of infants, with a specific focus on both hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic injuries caused by the pathological mechanisms of shaking. Furthermore, this review provides a brief overview about the most appropriate and feasible MRI protocol to help neuroradiologists identifying AHT in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Cartocci
- Emergency Radiology Unit, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00198 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00198 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Martina Padovano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00198 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Matteo Scopetti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00198 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, NESMOS Department, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Giannì
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00198 Rome, Italy;
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Lee WJ, Lim YC, Yoon SH. Abusive Head Traumas in 4 Infants. Korean J Neurotrauma 2020; 16:246-253. [PMID: 33163433 PMCID: PMC7607025 DOI: 10.13004/kjnt.2020.16.e30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric abusive head trauma (AHT) is a serious, repeated child abuse that causes grave brain damage. In Korea, AHT cases have been reported rarely, especially infants. We present 4 cases of AHT in infants diagnosed in our institution during last 2 years. We collected the demographic data, ophthalmologic examination, imaging study, and outcomes. The mean age was 7.2 months, and 2 infants were girls and the others were boys. All four were admitted with no history of head trauma, and among them 2 patients presented with an episode of seizure and respiratory arrest with no history of head trauma. The initial mental status was semi-coma in 3 cases, and stupor in 1 case. There were multiple retinal hemorrhages in both eyes in 2 cases; one had multiple old fractures on the extremities and another child showed multiple skull fractures. All patients underwent emergent surgery for acute bilateral subdural hemorrhages; 3 had craniotomy and another had burr-hole drainage. Two children expired and the other 2 are in vegetative status. The AHT has recently become more frequent in Korea so that neurosurgeons must alert AHT even in infants with head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Jae Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Yong Cheol Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Soo Han Yoon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Orman G, Kralik SF, Meoded A, Desai N, Risen S, Huisman TAGM. MRI Findings in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: A Review. J Neuroimaging 2019; 30:15-27. [PMID: 31696594 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trauma is the most common cause of death and significant morbidity in childhood; abusive head trauma (AHT) is a prominent cause of significant morbidity and mortality in children younger than 2 years old. Correctly diagnosing AHT is challenging both clinically and radiologically. The primary diagnostic challenges are that the abused children are usually too young to provide an adequate history, perpetrators are unlikely to provide truthful account of trauma, and clinicians may be biased in their assessment of potentially abused children. The main radiological challenge is that there is no single imaging finding that is independently specific for or diagnostic of AHT. The radiological evaluation should be based on the multiplicity and severity of findings and an inconsistency with the provided mechanism of trauma. While the most common neuroimaging finding in AHT is subdural hemorrhage, other less well-known magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings such as the "lollipop sign" or "tadpole sign," parenchymal or cortical lacerations, subpial hemorrhage, cranio-cervical junction injuries including retroclival hematomas, as well as diffuse hypoxic brain injury have been identified and described in the recent literature. While AHT is ultimately a clinical diagnosis combining history, exam, and neuroimaging, familiarity with the typical as well as the less-well known MRI findings will improve recognition of AHT by radiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunes Orman
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Stephen F Kralik
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Avner Meoded
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Nilesh Desai
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital
| | - Sarah Risen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
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Orru' E, Huisman TAGM, Izbudak I. Prevalence, Patterns, and Clinical Relevance of Hypoxic-Ischemic Injuries in Children Exposed to Abusive Head Trauma. J Neuroimaging 2018; 28:608-614. [PMID: 30125430 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hypoxic-ischemic injuries (HIIs) are a scarcely investigated but important cause of morbidity and mortality in children who suffered abusive head trauma (AHT). The purpose of this study is to determine: (a) prevalence, types, and clinical relevance of cytotoxic edema compatible with HII in nonpenetrating AHT, (b) their relationship to other classic neuroimaging findings of AHT, and (c) their correlation with clinical outcomes. METHODS Diffusion-weighted imaging sequences of magnetic resonance imagings performed on children under 5 years diagnosed with AHT were reviewed to detect the most common patterns of acute parenchymal damage. Patterns of cytotoxic edema were described, and HII-compatible ones divided in subtypes. Correlation between HII, fractures, and subdural hemorrhages (SDHs) and with clinical outcomes was determined using imaging and available follow-up data. RESULTS Out of 57 patients, 36.8% showed lesions compatible with HII. A predominantly asymmetric cortical distribution was observed in 66.7% of cases, while 33.3% had diffused both cortical and deep gray/white matter distribution injury. Traumatic axonal injuries and focal contusions were less common. There was no significant correlation between the presence of SDH (P = .6) or skull fractures (P = .53) and HII. HII was the most severe form of parenchymal damage in terms of in-hospital mortality and morbidity at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS HII is the most common type of parenchymal damage in children victim of AHT, being present in 1/3 of patients with this condition, and correlates with more severe outcomes. Its presence is independent from other classic traumatic findings such as SDH and fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Orru'
- Division of Neuroradiology, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Thierry A G M Huisman
- Division of Pediatric Radiology and Pediatric Neuroradiology, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Izlem Izbudak
- Division of Neuroradiology, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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