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Canty KW, Keogh A, Rispoli J. Neuroimaging considerations in abusive head trauma. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2024; 50:101140. [PMID: 38964816 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2024.101140] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This focused review on abusive head trauma describes the injuries to the head, brain and/or spine of an infant or young child from inflicted trauma and their neuroimaging correlates. Accurate recognition and diagnosis of abusive head trauma is paramount to prevent repeated injury, provide timely treatment, and ensure that accidental or underlying medical contributors have been considered. In this article, we aim to discuss the various findings on neuroimaging that have been associated with AHT, compared to those that are more consistent with accidental injuries or with underlying medical causes that may also be on the differential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Canty
- Child Protection Program, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Abigail Keogh
- Child Protection Program, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Joanne Rispoli
- Division of Neuroradiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Gallo P, Baig RA, Lo WB, Oates AJ, Solanki GA. Traumatic disruption of dura at suture lines: a consistent finding in non-accidental head injury? Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:3029-3031. [PMID: 37530876 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Gallo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Steelhouse Lane, B4 6NH, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Rehman Ali Baig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Steelhouse Lane, B4 6NH, Birmingham, UK
| | - William B Lo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Steelhouse Lane, B4 6NH, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adam J Oates
- Department of Radiology, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Guirish A Solanki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Steelhouse Lane, B4 6NH, Birmingham, UK
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Mankad K, Sidpra J, Mirsky DM, Oates AJ, Colleran GC, Lucato LT, Kan E, Kilborn T, Agrawal N, Teeuw AH, Kelly P, Zeitlin D, Carter J, Debelle GD, Berger RP, Christian CW, Lindberg DM, Raissaki M, Argyropoulou M, Adamsbaum C, Cain T, van Rijn RR, Silvera VM, Rossi A, Kemp AM, Choudhary AK, Offiah AC. International Consensus Statement on the Radiological Screening of Contact Children in the Context of Suspected Child Physical Abuse. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:526-533. [PMID: 36877504 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.6184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Importance Physical abuse is a common but preventable cause of long-term childhood morbidity and mortality. Despite the strong association between abuse in an index child and abuse in contact children, there is no guidance outlining how to screen the latter, significantly more vulnerable group, for abusive injuries. Consequently, the radiological assessment of contact children is often omitted, or variably performed, allowing occult injuries to go undetected and increasing the risk of further abuse. Objective To report an evidence-based and consensus-derived set of best practices for the radiological screening of contact children in the context of suspected child physical abuse. Evidence Review This consensus statement is supported by a systematic review of the literature and the clinical opinion of an internationally recognized group of 26 experts. The modified Delphi consensus process comprised 3 meetings of the International Consensus Group on Contact Screening in Suspected Child Physical Abuse held between February and June 2021. Findings Contacts are defined as the asymptomatic siblings, cohabiting children, or children under the same care as an index child with suspected child physical abuse. All contact children should undergo a thorough physical examination and a history elicited prior to imaging. Contact children younger than 12 months should have neuroimaging, the preferred modality for which is magnetic resonance imaging, and skeletal survey. Contact children aged 12 to 24 months should undergo skeletal survey. No routine imaging is indicated in asymptomatic children older than 24 months. Follow-up skeletal survey with limited views should be performed if abnormal or equivocal at presentation. Contacts with positive findings should be investigated as an index child. Conclusions and Relevance This Special Communication reports consensus recommendations for the radiological screening of contact children in the context of suspected child physical abuse, establishing a recognized baseline for the stringent evaluation of these at-risk children and providing clinicians with a more resilient platform from which to advocate for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Section, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jai Sidpra
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Section, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Mirsky
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Adam J Oates
- Department of Radiology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gabrielle C Colleran
- Department Radiology, Children's Health Ireland and The National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leandro T Lucato
- Department of Radiology, Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Kan
- Department of Radiology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Tracy Kilborn
- Department of Radiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nina Agrawal
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
| | - Arianne H Teeuw
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital-Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Te Puaruruhau, Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Zeitlin
- Department of Pediatrics, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamieson Carter
- Department of Pediatrics, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Geoff D Debelle
- Department of Pediatrics, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel P Berger
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Cindy W Christian
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Daniel M Lindberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Maria Raissaki
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, University Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - Maria Argyropoulou
- Department of Clinical Radiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Catherine Adamsbaum
- Paris Saclay University, Faculty of Medicine, AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Department of Paediatric Radiology, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Timothy Cain
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rick R van Rijn
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Emma Children's Hospital-Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea Rossi
- Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alison M Kemp
- Division of Population Medicine, Department of Child Health, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Arabinda K Choudhary
- Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
| | - Amaka C Offiah
- Department of Radiology, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Biswas A, Krishnan P, Albalkhi I, Mankad K, Shroff M. Imaging of Abusive Head Trauma in Children. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2023; 33:357-373. [PMID: 36965952 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we describe relevant anatomy, mechanisms of injury, and imaging findings of abusive head trauma (AHT). We also briefly address certain mimics of AHT, controversies, pearls, and pitfalls. Concepts of injury, its evolution, and complex nature of certain cases are highlighted with the help of case vignettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asthik Biswas
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N3JH, UK.
| | - Pradeep Krishnan
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ibrahem Albalkhi
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N3JH, UK; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Al Takhassousi، Al Zahrawi Street interconnecting with, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N3JH, UK; UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
| | - Manohar Shroff
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Paddock M, Choudhary AK, Jeanes A, Mankad K, Mannes I, Raissaki M, Adamsbaum C, Argyropoulou MI, van Rijn RR, Offiah AC. Controversial aspects of imaging in child abuse: a second roundtable discussion from the ESPR child abuse taskforce. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:739-751. [PMID: 36879046 PMCID: PMC10027646 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05618-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
This second roundtable discussion was convened at the 56th European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) 2022 Annual Meeting in Marseille, France, to discuss controversial aspects of imaging in child abuse. The following topics were discussed: Fracture dating-the published literature is broadly similar with respect to the identification of the radiographic stages of bony healing. The non-expert/general radiologist is encouraged to use broad descriptors of fracture healing (acute, healing or old) within their reports, rather than attempting to date fractures. The more experienced/expert radiologist, who may provide a timeframe/range to assist the courts, should be aware that any published timeframes are not absolute and that recent research indicates that the rate of healing may differ according to the bone affected and the age of the patient. Whole spine imaging in suspected abusive head trauma-this is recommended to enable a complete assessment of the neuraxis when abusive head trauma is suspected or diagnosed, particularly in the presence of intracranial and cervical subdural haemorrhage and cervical ligamentous injury. Cranial imaging in suspected physical abuse-both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain complimentary depending on the clinical context in which they are used with CT remaining first-line in the assessment of children with (suspected abusive) head trauma prior to an early MRI. MRI is superior in its assessment of parenchymal injury and may be employed as first-line in age appropriate asymptomatic siblings of a child with suspected physical abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Paddock
- Medical Imaging Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Division of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Arabinda K Choudhary
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Annmarie Jeanes
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Inès Mannes
- Paediatric Radiology Department, AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Maria Raissaki
- Radiology Department, Medical School, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Catherine Adamsbaum
- Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Maria I Argyropoulou
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Rick R van Rijn
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amaka C Offiah
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Radiology, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Mannes I, Drissi C, Adamsbaum C. Imaging findings in abusive head trauma (AHT). Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2325-2334. [PMID: 36173471 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Brain imaging plays a key role in accurately identifying abusive head trauma (AHT). An exact and rapid diagnosis is needed due to the extreme severity of AHT, since there is a risk of neurological sequelae and potentially fatal recurrence. Several medical specialists will work collaboratively to detect and confirm abuse in children: the radiologist has a leading role in this approach. This article describes the most common neuro-imaging patterns of AHT, including extra axial, intra axial, bony, and ligamentous lesions, with a special focus on the dating issue and the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Mannes
- Pediatric Radiology Department, AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Cyrine Drissi
- Pediatric Radiology Department, AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Catherine Adamsbaum
- Pediatric Radiology Department, AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94270, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, 63 rue Gabriel Péri, 94270, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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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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Non-accidental Trauma in Infants: a Review of Evidence-Based Strategies for Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. CURRENT TRAUMA REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40719-021-00221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
To provide a resource for providers that may be involved in the diagnosis and management of infant non-accidental trauma (NAT).
Recent Findings
Infants are more likely to both suffer from physical abuse and die from their subsequent injuries. There are missed opportunities among providers for recognizing sentinel injuries. Minority children are overrepresented in the reporting of child maltreatment, and there is systemic bias in the evaluation and treatment of minority victims of child abuse.
Summary
Unfortunately, no single, primary preventative intervention has been conclusively shown to reduce the incidence of child maltreatment. Standardized algorithms for NAT screening have been shown to increase the bias-free utilization of NAT evaluations. Every healthcare provider that interacts with children has a responsibility to recognize warning signs of NAT, be able to initiate the evaluation for suspected NAT, and understand their role as a mandatory reporter.
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