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Reel SM, Burkhardt MC, Reed JL. Subdural Fluid and Near-Miss Hypertension in a Previously Healthy Infant. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2023; 62:1436-1439. [PMID: 36908073 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231157314] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Carol Burkhardt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer L Reed
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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2
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Raissaki M, Adamsbaum C, Argyropoulou MI, Choudhary AK, Jeanes A, Mankad K, Mannes I, Van Rijn RR, Offiah AC. Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces and subdural collections-when to evaluate for abuse. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:752-767. [PMID: 36856756 PMCID: PMC10027800 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
In infants without a history of trauma, subdural haemorrhages should raise the concern for an abusive head injury, particularly when they are associated with bridging vein clotting/rupture or with septations. However, non-haemorrhagic, fluid-appearing subdural collections (also called hygromas) may also be the result of abuse. Subdural collections have also been uncommonly observed in patients with benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces (BESS) and a few large-scale studies accurately investigate the incidence and the significance. Currently, there is a wide variation of practices in children with BESS and subdural collections. Due to the social risks associated with abuse evaluation and the perceived risk of radiation exposure, there might be a reluctance to fully evaluate these children in some centres. The diagnosis of physical abuse cannot be substantiated nor safely excluded in infants with BESS and subdural collection(s), without investigation for concomitant traumatic findings. The exact prevalence of occult injuries and abuse in these infants is unknown. In macrocephalic infants with subdural collections and imaging features of BESS, thorough investigations for abuse are warranted and paediatricians should consider performing full skeletal surveys even when fundoscopy, social work consult, and detailed clinical evaluation are unremarkable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Raissaki
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, Crete, Greece.
| | - Catherine Adamsbaum
- Emeritus Pediatric Radiologist, Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, 63 Rue Gabriel Péri, 94270, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Maria I Argyropoulou
- Department of Clinical Radiology and Imaging, Medical School, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - 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, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Inès Mannes
- Pediatric Radiology Department, AP-HP, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin‑Bicêtre, France
| | - Rick R Van Rijn
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amaka C Offiah
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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3
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Mazengia Andualem A, Gebeyehu Shiferaw F. Massive Subacute Subdural hematoma in 48hrs old Neonate; Ethiopian case Report. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2023.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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4
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Identifying abusive head trauma and its mimics: diagnostic nuances. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:2311-2315. [PMID: 36690736 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05845-z] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the most serious injury inflicted to the nervous system of neonate an infant with a high incidence of disabilities. The authors present two cases in which the initial manifestations and neurologic status were misinterpreted and stress that clinical presentation and imaging can be variable and confuse the examiner. DISCUSSION Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) in this age group raises high suspicion of non-accidental trauma but have been reported in other situations such as several bleeding disorders. Although rare, hematological diseases should be considered when other data of maltreatment are lacking. CONCLUSION Differential diagnosis is important to avoid underdiagnosing AHT and to prevent morbidity if a pre-existing hematological disease is misdiagnosed.
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Aydın SO, Etli MU, Köylü RC, Varol E, Yaltırık CK, Ramazanoğlu AF. Factors Associated with Nontraumatic Spontaneous Subdural Hematomas in Pediatric Patients. Neuropediatrics 2022. [PMID: 35793697 DOI: 10.1055/a-1893-2559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In our study, we aimed to summarize the etiology of subdural hematoma that was not traumatic and required operation in pediatric patients. The subdural hematoma characteristics, possible etiologies, and treatment, as well as the patient outcomes, were analyzed. METHODS A retrospective examination was made of pediatric patients with subdural hematoma who were operated on at Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital. Patients with a history of trauma were excluded. Data on patient sex, age, bleeding location, type of hematoma based on computed tomography imaging, surgical treatment, presenting symptoms, presence of comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale, thrombocyte counts, and international normalized ratio values were recorded. RESULTS Of the 19 patients included in the study, 4 were female and 15 were male. Their ages ranged between 0 and 15 (mean = 5.84) years. In 57.8% of the patients, comorbidities, including acute myeloid leukemia, a history of shunt operation, epilepsy, mucopolysaccharidosis, known subdural effusion, autism, coagulopathy, ventricular septal defect/tetralogy of Fallot, cerebrospinal fluid leakage after baclofen pump administration, Marfan's syndrome, and late neonatal sepsis were present, while 21% had arachnoid cysts and 21% had no reported comorbidities. CONCLUSION This study suggests that, in pediatric patients with subdural hematoma with an amount of bleeding requiring surgical management, any underlying comorbidities should be investigated regardless of the presence of a history of trauma. While investigating systemic diseases, special attention should be paid to the presence of arachnoid cysts or disruption in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics along with a history of hematologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Onur Aydın
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Umut Etli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Reha Can Köylü
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eyüp Varol
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Kaan Yaltırık
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Fatih Ramazanoğlu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Horton D, Burrell T, Moffatt ME, Puls HT, Selvarangan R, Hultman L, Anderst JD. Differences Between Viral Meningitis and Abusive Head Trauma. Pediatrics 2022; 150:188256. [PMID: 35673951 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-054544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the hypothesis that viral meningitis may mimic abusive head trauma (AHT) by comparing the history of present illness (HPI) and clinical presentation of young children with proven viral meningitis to those with AHT and those with subdural hemorrhage (SDH) only. We hypothesized that significant differences would exist between viral meningitis and the comparison groups. METHODS We performed a 5-year retrospective case-control study of subjects aged <2 years, comparing those with confirmed viral meningitis (controls) to those with SDH evaluated by the hospital child abuse pediatrics team (cases). Cases were classified as SDH with concomitant suspicious injuries (AHT) and without concomitant suspicious injuries (SDH-only). Groups were compared across demographic (5 measures), HPI (11 measures), and clinical (9 measures) domains. Odds ratios were calculated for measures within each domain. RESULTS Of 550 subjects, there were 397 viral meningitis, 118 AHT, and 35 SDH-only subjects. Viral meningitis differed significantly from AHT subjects on all demographic measures, and from SDH-only subjects on age. Viral meningitis differed significantly from AHT subjects in all HPI measures with odds ratios ranging from 2.7 to 322.5, and from SDH-only subjects in 9 HPI measures with odds ratios ranging from 4.6 to 485.2. In the clinical domain, viral meningitis differed significantly from AHT subjects in all measures, with odds ratios ranging from 2.5 to 74.0, and from SDH-only subjects in 5 measures with odds ratios ranging from 2.9 to 16.8. CONCLUSIONS Viral meningitis is not supported as a mimic of AHT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary E Moffatt
- Divisions of Child Adversity and Resilience.,Emergency Medicine
| | | | - Rangaraj Selvarangan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
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Alshareef M, Tyler M, Litts C, Pearce J, Yazdani M, Eskandari R. Prevalence of Visible Subdural Spaces in Benign Enlargement of Subarachnoid Spaces in Infancy: A Retrospective Analysis Utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging. World Neurosurg 2022; 164:e973-e979. [PMID: 35636660 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.05.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Benign Enlargement of the Subarachnoid Spaces in Infancy (BESSI) is a common finding during workup for progressive macrocephaly. BESSI has been associated with slightly higher prevalence of subdural (SD) spaces and a risk for developing subdural hematoma. This study utilizes fast brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the prevalence of visible SD spaces in BESSI. METHODS A retrospective review was performed for all pediatric patients who underwent brain MRI for macrocephaly. Patients with a diagnosis of BESSI were included in the study. A total of 109 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patient demographics were collected, and images were reviewed for size of subarachnoid, visible SD spaces, and ventricle size. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. RESULTS The average age was 8 ± 4.6 months, 64 (59%) were male, and 55 patients had no previous medical history (50%). Sixty-seven percent of all patients were identified to have visible SD spaces. Eleven patients had confirmed SD hematomas; 1 patient was deemed to have abusive head trauma. Visible SD spaces were associated with younger age (6.9 months). Thirty-one patients with visible SD spaces had follow-up MRI, with complete resolution by 33 months. CONCLUSIONS BESSI is a self-limiting pathology that has been associated with visible SD spaces and potential risk for SD hemorrhages. We report a high prevalence of visible SD spaces within BESSI through utilization of fast brain MRI. These spaces may contribute to the higher rate of incidental subdural hematoma in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alshareef
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Tyler
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Litts
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jackson Pearce
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Milad Yazdani
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ramin Eskandari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
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Thiblin I, Andersson J, Wester K, Högberg G, Högberg U. Retinal haemorrhage in infants investigated for suspected maltreatment is strongly correlated with intracranial pathology. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:800-808. [PMID: 34617346 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM To test the two prevailing hypotheses regarding the aetiology of infant retinal haemorrhage: (a) traction forces exerted by the lens and/or corpus vitreum on the retina during infant shaking or (b) retinal vessel leakage secondary to intracranial pathology and raised intracranial pressure. METHODS Comparison of medical findings and reported type of trauma in infants investigated for suspected physical abuse with presence (n = 29) or non-presence of retinal haemorrhage (RH) (n = 119). RESULTS Intracranial pathology was recorded in 15 (13%) of the non-RH cases and in 27 (97%) of the RH cases (p < 0.0001). All 18 infants with bilateral RH had intracranial pathology. Of 27 infants subjected to witnessed or admitted shaking, two were in the group with RH. One had a single unilateral RH and no intracranial pathology. The other had bilateral RH and intracranial pathology with non-specific white matter changes, acute subdural and subarachnoid haemorrhages, and suspected cortical venous thrombosis. In 15 RH cases, there was no trauma reported and no findings other than RH and intracranial pathology. Accidental blunt head trauma was reported in 7 RH cases. CONCLUSION The present study indicates that RH in infants is secondary to intracranial pathology of non-specific aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingemar Thiblin
- Department of Surgical Sciences Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Jacob Andersson
- Department of Surgical Sciences Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Knut Wester
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1 University of Bergen Bergen Norway
| | | | - Ulf Högberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health Umeå University Umeå Sweden
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Wester K, Stridbeck U, Syse A, Wikström J. Re-evaluation of medical findings in alleged shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma in Norwegian courts fails to support abuse diagnoses. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:779-792. [PMID: 34041784 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM The criteria for diagnosing abusive head trauma (AHT) are not well defined and this condition might be diagnosed on failing premises. Our aim was to review criminal AHT cases in Norwegian courts by scrutinising the underlying medical documentation. METHODS Cases were identified in the data registry for Norwegian courts from 2004 to 2015. Documentation was obtained from relevant health institutions. The medical co-authors first made independent evaluations of the documentation for each child, followed by a consensus evaluation. RESULTS A total of 17 children (11 boys) were identified, all diagnosed as AHT by court appointed experts, 15 were infants (mean age 2.6 months). A high proportion (41.2%) was born to immigrant parents and 31.3% were premature. The medical findings could be explained by alternative diagnoses in 16 of the 17 children; 8 boys (7 infants - mean age 2.9 months) had clinical and radiological characteristics compatible with external hydrocephalus complicated by chronic subdural haematoma. Six children (five infants with mean age 2.1 months) had a female preponderance and findings compatible with hypoxic ischaemic insults. CONCLUSION The medical condition in most children had not necessarily been caused by shaking or direct impact, as was originally concluded by the court experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Wester
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1 University of Bergen Bergen Norway
| | - Ulf Stridbeck
- Department of Public and International Law Faculty of Law University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Aslak Syse
- Department of Public and International Law Faculty of Law University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Johan Wikström
- Department of Radiology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
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Scheller J, Wester K. Is external hydrocephalus a possible differential diagnosis when child abuse is suspected? Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2022; 164:1161-1172. [PMID: 33710381 PMCID: PMC8967805 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04786-3] [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: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Criteria for diagnosing abusive head trauma (AHT) or “shaken baby syndrome” are not well defined; consequently, these conditions might be diagnosed on failing premises. Methods The authors have collected a total of 28 infants, from the US (20) and Norway (8), suspected of having been violently shaken, and their caregivers had been suspected, investigated, prosecuted or convicted of having performed this action. Among 26 symptomatic infants, there were 18 boys (69%) and 8 girls (31%)—mean age 5.1 month, without age difference between genders. Results Twenty-one of 26 symptomatic children (81%) had a head circumference at or above the 90 percentile, and 18 had a head circumference at or above the 97 percentile. After macrocephaly, seizure was the most frequent initial symptom in 13 (50%) of the symptomatic infants. Seventeen (65%) of the symptomatic infants had bilateral retinal haemorrhages, and two had unilateral retinal haemorrhages. All infants had neuroimaging compatible with chronic subdural haematomas/hygromas as well as radiological characteristics compatible with benign external hydrocephalus (BEH). Conclusions BEH with subdural haematomas/hygromas in infants may sometimes be misdiagnosed as abusive head trauma. Based on the authors’ experience and findings of the study, the following measures are suggested to avoid this diagnostic pitfall: medical experts in infant abuse cases should be trained in recognising clinical and radiological BEH features, clinicians with neuro-paediatric experience should always be included in the expert teams and reliable information about the head circumference development from birth should always be available.
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Vaslow DF. Chronic subdural hemorrhage predisposes to development of cerebral venous thrombosis and associated retinal hemorrhages and subdural rebleeds in infants. Neuroradiol J 2022; 35:53-66. [PMID: 34167377 PMCID: PMC8826291 DOI: 10.1177/19714009211026904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For infants presenting with subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, and neurological decline the "consensus" opinion is that this constellation represents child abuse and that cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and cortical vein thrombosis is a false mimic. This article contends that this conclusion is false for a subset of infants with no evidence of spinal, external head, or body injury and is the result of a poor radiologic evidence base and misinterpreted data. Underdiagnosis of thrombosis is the result of rapid clot dissolution and radiologic under recognition. A pre-existing/chronic subdural hemorrhage predisposes to development of venous sinus thrombosis/cortical vein thrombosis, triggered by minor trauma or an acute life-threatening event such as dysphagic choking, variably leading to retinal and subdural hemorrhages and neurologic decline. These conclusions are based on analysis of the neuroradiologic imaging findings in 11 infants, all featuring undiagnosed cortical vein or venous sinus thrombosis. Subtle neuroradiologic signs of and the mechanisms of thrombosis are discussed. Subarachnoid hemorrhage from leaking thrombosed cortical veins may be confused with acute subdural hemorrhage and probably contributes to the development of retinal hemorrhage ala Terson's syndrome. Chronic subdural hemorrhage rebleeding from minor trauma likely occurs more readily than bleeding from traumatic bridging vein rupture. Radiologists must meet the challenge of stringent evaluation of neuro imaging studies; any infant with a pre-existing subdural hemorrhage presenting with neurologic decline must be assumed to have venous sinus or cortical vein thrombosis until proven otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale F Vaslow
- Department of Radiology, Harry S.
Truman Veterans Administration Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA,Dale F Vaslow, 2504 Lenox Place, Columbia,
MO 65203, USA.
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Andersson J, Wikström J, Högberg U, Wester K, Thiblin I. External Hydrocephalus as a Cause of Infant Subdural Hematoma: Epidemiological and Radiological Investigations of Infants Suspected of Being Abused. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 126:26-34. [PMID: 34736060 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in infants have been regarded as highly specific for abuse. Other causes of CSDH have not been investigated in a large population. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent external hydrocephalus is present in infants with ASDH and CSDH undergoing evaluation for abuse. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty-five infants suspected of being abused, with ASDH (n = 16) or CSDH (n = 69), were reviewed regarding age, risk factor profiles, craniocortical width (CCW), sinocortical width (SCW), frontal interhemispheric width (IHW), subarachnoid space width (SSW), and head circumference (HC). In infants with unilateral subdural hematoma (SDH), correlations between contralateral SSW and ipsilateral CCW and SDH width were investigated. RESULTS Infants with CSDH had significantly lower mortality, were more often premature and male, and had significantly higher CCW, SCW, IHW, and SSW than infants with ASDH (P < 0.05). Ipsilateral CCW (R = 0.92, P < 0.001) and SDH width (R = 0.81, P < 0.01) correlated with contralateral SSW. Increased HC was more prevalent in infants with CSDH (71%) than in infants with ASDH (14%) (P < 0.01). Forty-two infants, all with CSDH, had at least one of CCW, SCW, or IHW ≥95th percentile. Twenty infants, all with CSDH, had CCW, SCW, and IHW >5 mm, in addition to increased HC. CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of infants with CSDH who had been suspected of being abused had findings suggesting external hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Andersson
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Johan Wikström
- Neuroradiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulf Högberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden & Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Knut Wester
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingemar Thiblin
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Copley PC, Dean B, Davidson AL, Jackson M, Sokol D. Spontaneous subdural haematoma in a neonate requiring urgent surgical evacuation. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:1743-1749. [PMID: 32920661 PMCID: PMC8116277 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04570-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe the unusual case of a clinically significant subdural haematoma without any underlying cause in a term baby delivered by an elective caesarean section, which required surgical evacuation. We review the literature and describe the presentation, investigation and management options in infants with this infrequent condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Correia Copley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 50 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Bethan Dean
- Department of Neonatology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Angela L Davidson
- Department of Neonatology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Michael Jackson
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 1LF, UK
| | - Drahoslav Sokol
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 50 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
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Sidpra J, Chhabda S, Oates AJ, Bhatia A, Blaser SI, Mankad K. Abusive head trauma: neuroimaging mimics and diagnostic complexities. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:947-965. [PMID: 33999237 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury is responsible for approximately half of all childhood deaths from infancy to puberty, the majority of which are attributable to abusive head trauma (AHT). Due to the broad way patients present and the lack of a clear mechanism of injury in some cases, neuroimaging plays an integral role in the diagnostic pathway of these children. However, this nonspecific nature also presages the existence of numerous conditions that mimic both the clinical and neuroimaging findings seen in AHT. This propensity for misdiagnosis is compounded by the lack of pathognomonic patterns and clear diagnostic criteria. The repercussions of this are severe and have a profound stigmatic effect. The authors present an exhaustive review of the literature complemented by illustrative cases from their institutions with the aim of providing a framework with which to approach the neuroimaging and diagnosis of AHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Sidpra
- University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Sahil Chhabda
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Adam J Oates
- Department of Radiology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aashim Bhatia
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Susan I Blaser
- Department of Radiology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
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Abstract
Enlarged subarachnoid spaces are a common finding in infants and young children imaged for macrocephaly or an enlarging head circumference, and benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces is often diagnosed. Infrequently, presumed "spontaneous" subdural hemorrhages or subdural collections might complicate these enlarged subarachnoid spaces. Children with large bilateral subdural collections might also present for imaging with macrocephaly. Each scenario potentially raises concerns for prior injury because subdural hemorrhage is a frequent finding in children with abusive head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite M Caré
- Division of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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Kazmir S, Rosado N. Abusive Head Trauma: A Review of Current Knowledge. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2020.100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Zahl SM, Wester K, Gabaeff S. Examining perinatal subdural haematoma as an aetiology of extra-axial hygroma and chronic subdural haematoma. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:659-666. [PMID: 31637736 PMCID: PMC7154632 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Benign external hydrocephalus (BEH), hygroma and chronic subdural haematoma are extra-axial fluid collections in infants. MRI studies have shown that almost half of all new-borns have perinatal subdural blood, generally referred to as subdural haematoma (SDH) or perinatal SDH. Epidemiologically there are striking similarities between chronic SDH and BEH in infants. METHODS Discussion of pathophysiological mechanisms for BEH and chronic SDH, based on existing literature. RESULTS Perinatal SDH is common, and we hypothesise that this condition in some infants develop into extra-axial fluid collections, known as hygroma, BEH or chronic subdural haematoma. The mechanism seems to be an intradural bleeding that creates an obstructive layer preventing normal CSF absorption. The site where the bleeding originates from and those areas enveloped in blood from the primary damaged area are prone to later rebleeds, seen as 'acute on chronic' haematomas. With steady production of CSF and the blockage, increased intracranial pressure drives the accelerated skull growth seen in many of these children. CONCLUSION Perinatal SDH hampers CSF absorption, possibly leading to BEH and chronic SDH, with a high risk of false accusations of abuse. Close monitoring of head circumference could prove vital in detecting children with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Knut Wester
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1University of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of NeurosurgeryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
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Wester K. Two Infant Boys Misdiagnosed as "Shaken Baby" and Their Twin Sisters: A Cautionary Tale. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 97:3-11. [PMID: 31147228 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Knut Wester
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Zahl SM, Egge A, Helseth E, Wester K. Clinical, Radiological, and Demographic Details of Benign External Hydrocephalus: A Population-Based Study. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 96:53-57. [PMID: 30808532 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benign external hydrocephalus has an incidence of about 0.4 per 1000 live births. It affects infants and is characterized by an increasing head circumference and typical neuroimaging findings. Previously published studies on benign external hydrocephalus often contain groups of few and selected patients. METHODS This is a follow-up of a recently published article reporting the incidence of benign external hydrocephalus. This retrospective and population-based study covers two large health regions in Norway, over a 10-year period (1994 to 2003). Infants with increasing head circumference, combined with typical radiological findings of enlarged subarachnoid spaces, were included. Information about head circumference development, neuroimaging findings, and birth delivery methods, as well as demographic details, was retrieved from the hospital medical records. RESULTS A total of 176 children with benign external hydrocephalus were included, 86.4% being boys. At birth, the head circumference was close to normal. Mean age for when the head circumference reached abnormal values, i.e., crossing two percentiles or reaching the 97.5 percentile, was 3.4 months; none was older than seven months. Around four of five children had dilated lateral ventricles in addition to enlarged subarachnoid spaces. The neuroimaging findings tended to normalize after age 12 months. About half of the patients ended up with head circumferences at or above the 97.5 percentile. CONCLUSIONS Most infants with benign external hydrocephalus are born with a normal head circumference that increases too fast and reaches abnormally high values before age six months. This age and gender distribution is very similar to that described for infant subdural hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sverre Morten Zahl
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Aalesund Hospital, Aalesund, Norway.
| | - Arild Egge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Helseth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Wester
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Orde MM. Non-Traumatic Acute Subdural Hemorrhage Due To Cranial Venous Hypertension. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019; 9:33-43. [PMID: 34394789 PMCID: PMC8351045 DOI: 10.1177/1925362119851114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute subdural hemorrhage is typically associated with a history of head trauma, and as such it is a finding with significant potential medicolegal consequences. In this article, 37 adult and post-infantile pediatric sudden death autopsy cases with small volume ("thin film" or "smear") acute subdural hemorrhage are presented-in which there is either no further evidence of head trauma or only features of minor head injury. The possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are explored, and it is concluded that a common thread in many of these cases is likely to have been cranial venous hypertension at around the time of death. These findings may have implications in instances where small volume subdural hemorrhage is identified in the absence of other evidence of significant head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Orde
- Matthew M. Orde MBChB FRCPath FRCPA, 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC,
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Zahl SM, Egge A, Helseth E, Skarbø AB, Wester K. Quality of life and physician-reported developmental, cognitive, and social problems in children with benign external hydrocephalus-long-term follow-up. Childs Nerv Syst 2019; 35:245-250. [PMID: 30523438 PMCID: PMC6351505 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-018-4016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benign external hydrocephalus (BEH) is characterized by too rapidly increasing head circumference in infants, combined with typical neuroimaging findings. Psychomotor developmental delay is typically seen during the first few years of life; after that, the children's development assumedly normalizes. However, little is known about the long-term effects of BEH. METHODS In this retrospective population-based study, children diagnosed with BEH during the years 1994-2003 in Southern Norway were asked to participate. Included patients (age 8-18 years old) and their parents answered the PedsQL questionnaire. The patient's family physicians contributed by giving information from medical records, with special emphasis on developmental, cognitive, and social function. RESULTS One hundred seventy-six children were identified with BEH. One hundred three patients and 86 parents completed the PedsQL questionnaire. Supplemental medical information for 142 of the patients was received, mainly from their family physicians. Children and adolescents with BEH score themselves better than the normative mean on health-related quality of life, while the parents score their BEH children within the normative mean, except for the school functioning subgroup, where they score significantly lower. Various developmental, physical, and social problems are reported, like mental retardation, speech problems, epilepsy, motor impairment, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive difficulties. Among these patients, there is a discrepancy in some areas between the child-reported and parent-reported quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents who were diagnosed with BEH during infancy generally do well. However, for some patients, there appear to be various developmental, social, and cognitive problems, and they seem to struggle more in school than their healthy peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sverre Morten Zahl
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Aalesund Hospital, N-6026, Aalesund, Norway.
| | - Arild Egge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Helseth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Britt Skarbø
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences for Children, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Wester
- Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Epidemiology of subdural haemorrhage during infancy: A population-based register study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206340. [PMID: 30379890 PMCID: PMC6209227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To analyse subdural haemorrhage (SDH) during infancy in Sweden by incidence, SDH category, diagnostic distribution, age, co-morbidity, mortality, and maternal and perinatal risk factors; and its association with accidents and diagnosis of abuse. Methods A Swedish population-based register study comprising infants born between 1997 and 2014, 0–1 years of age, diagnosed with SDH-diagnoses according to the (International Classification of Diseases, 10th version (ICD10), retrieved from the National Patient Register and linked to the Medical Birth Register and the Death Cause Register. Outcome measures were: 1) Incidence and distribution, 2) co-morbidity, 3) fall accidents by SDH category, 4) risk factors for all SDHs in the two age groups, 0–6 and 7–365 days, and for ICD10 SDH subgroups: S06.5 (traumatic SDH), I62.0 (acute nontraumatic), SDH and abuse diagnosis. Results Incidence of SDH was 16·5 per 100 000 infants (n = 306). Median age was 2·5 months. For infants older than one week, the median age was 3·5 months. Case fatality was 6·5%. Male sex was overrepresented for all SDH subgroups. Accidental falls were reported in 1/3 of the cases. One-fourth occurred within 0–6 days, having a perinatal risk profile. For infants aged 7–365 days, acute nontraumatic SDH was associated with multiple birth, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age. Fourteen percent also had an abuse diagnosis, having increased odds of being born preterm, and being small-for-gestational age. Conclusions The incidence was in the range previously reported. SDH among newborns was associated with difficult birth and neonatal morbidity. Acute nontraumatic SDH and SDH with abuse diagnosis had similar perinatal risk profiles. The increased odds for acute nontraumatic SDH in twins, preterm births, neonatal convulsions or small-for-gestational age indicate a perinatal vulnerability for SDH beyond 1st week of life. The association between prematurity/small-for-gestational age and abuse diagnosis is intriguing and not easily understood.
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Hansen JB, Frazier T, Moffatt M, Zinkus T, Anderst JD. Evaluations for abuse in young children with subdural hemorrhages: findings based on symptom severity and benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2018; 21:31-37. [PMID: 29099352 DOI: 10.3171/2017.7.peds17317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children who have subdural hematomas (SDHs) with no or minimal neurological symptoms (SDH-mild symptoms) often present a forensic challenge. Nonabusive causes of SDH, including birth-related SDH, benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces (BESS), and other proposed causes have been offered as etiologies. These alternative causes do not provide explanations for concomitant suspicious injuries (CSIs). If SDH with mild symptoms in young children are frequently caused by these alternative causes, children with SDH-mild symptoms should be more likely to have no other CSIs than those who have SDH with severe symptoms (SDH-severe symptoms). Additionally, if SDH with mild symptoms is caused by something other than abuse, the location and distribution of the SDH may be different than an SDH caused by abuse. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of other CSIs in patients who present with SDH-mild symptoms and to compare that prevalence to patients with SDH-severe symptoms. Additionally, this study sought to compare the locations and distributions of SDH between the two groups. Finally, given the data supporting BESS as a potential cause of SDH in young children, the authors sought to evaluate the associations of BESS with SDH-mild symptoms and with other CSIs. METHODS The authors performed a 5-year retrospective case-control study of patients younger than 2 years of age with SDH evaluated by a Child Abuse Pediatrics program. Patients were classified as having SDH-mild symptoms (cases) or SDH-severe symptoms (controls). The two groups were compared for the prevalence of other CSIs. Additionally, the locations and distribution of SDH were compared between the two groups. The presence of BESS was evaluated for associations with symptoms and other CSIs. RESULTS Of 149 patients, 43 presented with SDH-mild symptoms and 106 with SDH-severe symptoms. Patients with SDH-mild symptoms were less likely to have other CSIs (odds ratio [OR] 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.5) and less likely to have severe retinal hemorrhages (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03-0.3). However, 60.5% of patients with SDH-mild symptoms had other CSIs. There was no difference between the groups regarding the location and distribution of SDH. Of the entire study cohort, 34 (22.8%) had BESS, and BESS was present in 17 (39.5%) of the SDH-mild symptoms group and 17 (16%) of the SDH-severe symptoms group (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.5-7.6). The presence of BESS was significantly associated with a lower chance of other CSIs (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.05-0.3). However, 17 patients had BESS and other CSIs. Of these 17, 6 had BESS and SDH-mild symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The high occurrence of other CSIs in patients with SDH-mild symptoms and a similar high occurrence in patients with BESS (including those with SDH-mild symptoms) indicate that such children benefit from a full evaluation for abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Timothy Zinkus
- 2Radiology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Shaken baby syndrome is a common and devastating disease in infants. In spite of its frequency, many controversies persist, regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. AIM OF THE STUDY We reviewed several salient and challenging issues related to SBS, like its pathogenesis, predisposing factors, differential diagnosis, and prevention programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS We derive arguments from the literature and from our prospective registry of accidental and non-accidental traumas in infants. CONCLUSIONS Much remains to be understood in SBS, and prevention programs for this entirely man-made disaster are still in their infancy. Pediatric neurosurgeons should be involved actively in the medical management and research on SBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Vinchon
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Hôpital Roger Salengro, 59037, Lille Cedex, France.
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Squier W, Mack J, Jansen AC. Infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly share demographic features with infants who die with retinal and dural bleeding: a review of neural mechanisms. Dev Med Child Neurol 2016; 58:1223-1234. [PMID: 27435495 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The cause of death in infants who die suddenly and unexpectedly (sudden unexpected death in infancy [SUDI]) remains a diagnostic challenge. Some infants have identified diseases (explained SUDI); those without explanation are called sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Demographic data indicate subgroups among SUDI and SIDS cases, such as unsafe sleeping and apparent life-threatening events. Infants dying suddenly with retinal and dural bleeding are often classified as abused, but in many there is no evidence of trauma. Demographic features suggest that they may represent a further subgroup of SUDI. This review examines the neuropathological hypotheses to explain SIDS and highlights the interaction of infant oxygen-conserving reflexes with the brainstem networks considered responsible for SIDS. We consider sex- and age-specific vulnerabilities related to dural bleeding and how sensitization of the dural innervation by bleeding may influence these reflexes, potentially leading to collapse or even death after otherwise trivial insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waney Squier
- Formerly Department of Neuropathology, Oxford University John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Mack
- Department of Radiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Anna C Jansen
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Neurogenetics Research Unit, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Tucker J, Choudhary AK, Piatt J. Macrocephaly in infancy: benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces and subdural collections. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2016; 18:16-20. [PMID: 26942270 DOI: 10.3171/2015.12.peds15600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces (BESS) is a common finding on imaging studies indicated by macrocephaly in infancy. This finding has been associated with the presence of subdural fluid collections that are sometimes construed as suggestive of abusive head injury. The prevalence of BESS among infants with macrocephaly and the prevalence of subdural collections among infants with BESS are both poorly defined. The goal of this study was to determine the relative frequencies of BESS, hydrocephalus, and subdural collections in a large consecutive series of imaging studies performed for macrocephaly and to determine the prevalence of subdural fluid collections among patients with BESS. METHODS A text search of radiology requisitions identified studies performed for macrocephaly in patients ≤ 2 years of age. Studies of patients with hydrocephalus or acute trauma were excluded. Studies that demonstrated hydrocephalus or chronic subdural hematoma not previously recognized but responsible for macrocephaly were noted but not investigated further. The remaining studies were reviewed for the presence of incidental subdural collections and for measurement of the depth of the subarachnoid space. A 3-point scale was used to grade BESS: Grade 0, < 5 mm; Grade 1, 5-9 mm; and Grade 2, ≥ 10 mm. RESULTS After exclusions, there were 538 studies, including 7 cases of hydrocephalus (1.3%) and 1 large, bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (0.2%). There were incidental subdural collections in 21 cases (3.9%). Two hundred sixty-five studies (49.2%) exhibited Grade 1 BESS, and 46 studies (8.6%) exhibited Grade 2 BESS. The prevalence of incidental subdural collections among studies with BESS was 18 of 311 (5.8%). The presence of BESS was associated with a greater prevalence of subdural collections, and higher grades of BESS were associated with increasing prevalence of subdural collections. After controlling for imaging modality, the odds ratio of the association of BESS with subdural collections was 3.68 (95% CI 1.12-12.1, p = 0.0115). There was no association of race, sex, or insurance status with subdural collections. Patients with BESS had larger head circumference Z-scores, but there was no association of head circumference or age with subdural collections. Interrater reliability in the diagnosis and grading of BESS was only fair. CONCLUSIONS The current study confirms the association of BESS with incidental subdural collections and suggests that greater depth of the subarachnoid space is associated with increased prevalence of such collections. These observations support the theory that infants with BESS have a predisposition to subdural collections on an anatomical basis. Incidental subdural collections in the setting of BESS are not necessarily indicative of abusive head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph Piatt
- Neurological Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and.,Nemours Neuroscience Center, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
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Neuroimaging differential diagnoses to abusive head trauma. Pediatr Radiol 2016; 46:603-14. [PMID: 26718196 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-015-3509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Trauma is the most common cause of death in childhood, and abusive head trauma is the most common cause of traumatic death and morbidity in infants younger than 1 year. The main differential diagnosis of abusive head trauma is accidental traumatic brain injury, which is usually witnessed. This paper also discusses more uncommon diagnoses such as congenital and acquired disorders of hemostasis, cerebral arteriovenous malformations and metabolic diseases, all of which are extremely rare. Diagnostic imaging including CT and MRI is very important for the distinction of non-accidental from accidental traumatic injury.
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Miller D, Barnes P, Miller M. The significance of macrocephaly or enlarging head circumference in infants with the triad: further evidence of mimics of shaken baby syndrome. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2016; 36:111-20. [PMID: 25893912 PMCID: PMC4927310 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Infants with the triad (neurologic dysfunction, subdural hematoma [SDH], and retinal hemorrhage) are often diagnosed as victims of shaken baby syndrome. Medical conditions/predisposing factors to developing the triad are often dismissed: short falls, birth-related SDH that enlarges, macrocephaly, sinus/cortical vein thrombosis, and others. Six infants with the triad are described in which child abuse was diagnosed, but parents denied wrongdoing. All 6 had either macrocephaly or enlarging head circumference, which suggested medical explanations. Three infants incurred short falls, 1 had a difficult delivery in which there was likely a rebleed of a birth-related SDH, 1 had a spontaneous SDH associated with increased extra-axial fluid spaces, and 1 had a sinus thrombosis. Following legal proceedings, all 6 infants were returned to their parents, and there has been no child maltreatment in follow-up, suggesting child abuse never happened. The results indicate that alternative medical explanations for causing the triad should be considered and that macrocephaly or an enlarging head circumference raises the possibility of a medical explanation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Miller
- From the *Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX; †Department of Radiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA; and ‡Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Biomedical Engineering, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH
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Nishimoto H. Recent progress and future issues in the management of abusive head trauma. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2015; 55:296-304. [PMID: 25797781 PMCID: PMC4628176 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.ra.2014-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Head trauma is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases and one of the important issues in the care of abused children. Since the Child Abuse Prevention Law was enforced in 2000 in Japan, various measures have been taken to prevent child abuse over the following decade. Accordingly, medical research on abusive head trauma (AHT) has advanced, leading to significant progress in the medical diagnosis of AHT. This progress has been brought about by (1) the widespread establishment of child protection teams (CPTs) at core hospitals, (2) the progress in neuroradiological imaging and ophthalmoscopic technologies, and (3) the introduction of postmortem imaging. However, the pathological condition of patients with AHT, particularly that of the diffuse brain swelling type, still remains poorly understood. As a result, no clear treatment strategies for AHT have been developed and no treatment outcomes have been improved to date. The development of new treatment strategies for AHT and the construction of a comprehensive database that supports clinical studies are required in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Iwatsuki, 2. Department of Neurosurgery, Kasukabe Municipital Hospital, Kasukabe, Saitama, Japan
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Hahnemann ML, Kinner S, Schweiger B, Bajanowski T, Karger B, Pfeiffer H, Wittschieber D. Imaging of bridging vein thrombosis in infants with abusive head trauma: the "Tadpole Sign". Eur Radiol 2014; 25:299-305. [PMID: 25274619 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-014-3443-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants is usually diagnosed using a multi-disciplinary approach by investigating the circumstances and identifying morphological indicators, for example, subdural hematomas (SDHs), subdural hygromas (SDHys), retinal haemorrhages and encephalopathy. The present morphological study investigates the incidence, radiological characteristics and non-radiological co-factors of bridging vein thrombosis (BVT) in infants with AHT. METHODS From 2002 to 2013, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) material of 628 infants aged 0-2 years were analysed retrospectively. If available, medicolegal expert opinions were additionally considered. Cases with SDHs and/or SDHys were identified and systematically evaluated as to the presence and characteristics of BVT. RESULTS SDHs and/or SDHys were present in 29 of the 81 cases exhibiting morphological abnormalities in the initial CT. Among these, 11 cases (40%) had BVT (mean age = 5.0 months). BVT could be best depicted in the T1-weighted spin echo and T2*/susceptibility-weighted MRI. In one case, BVT could be depicted indirectly using time-of-flight MR venography. The predominant (73%) BVT shape was found to be tadpole-like ("Tadpole Sign"). CONCLUSIONS In the absence of appropriate accidental trauma, BVT appears to be a strong indicator of AHT. Therefore, the BVT/Tadpole Sign represents compelling cause to search for other signs of AHT. KEY POINTS • BVT is an excellent indicator of AHT in SDH/SDHy cases. • Accidental trauma must be ruled out before diagnosing AHT. • The Tadpole Sign appears to be the most characteristic shape of BVT. • BVT can be depicted using CT, MRI and MR venography. • The Tadpole Sign suggests searching for other signs of AHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Hahnemann
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Satyarthee GD, Pankaj D, Sharma BS. "Rabbit Ear" scalp deformity caused by massive subdural effusion in infant following bilateral burr-hole drainage. J Pediatr Neurosci 2014; 8:235-8. [PMID: 24470822 PMCID: PMC3888045 DOI: 10.4103/1817-1745.123690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Subdural effusion (SDE) in an infant is a rare clinical scenario, which may be secondary to a variety of etiologies. Massive SDE is an extremely rare complication of head injury. It usually runs a self-limiting course. Though neurosurgical intervention is occasionally needed, different methods of surgical procedure for management includes burr-hole alone, burr-holes with subdural drain placement, twist drill craniotomy with drain and even craniotomy. The authors report a rare case of progressive massive SDE, which despite bilateral burr-hole placement and drainage failed and presented with visual deterioration and massive bulge of scalp at burr-hole sites producing rabbit ear sign in a 10 month old infant. Ultimately cystoperitoneal shunt was carried out in a desperate attempt to prevent impending rupture of scalp sutures at sites of previous burr-hole placement. Astonishingly not only complete resolution of hygroma, but visual recovery also took place. Patient is doing well at 6 months following shunt with regaining normal vision and appropriate developmental milestones. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of brain at last follow-up revealed mild ventriculomegaly with subduro-peritoneal shunt in situ and rest of brain was unremarkable. Such cases have not been reported in literature until date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guru Dutta Satyarthee
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Associated Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - Dawar Pankaj
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Associated Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - B S Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Associated Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, New Delhi, India
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Greiner MV, Richards TJ, Care MM, Leach JL. Prevalence of subdural collections in children with macrocrania. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2013; 34:2373-8. [PMID: 23868166 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The relationship between enlarged subarachnoid spaces and subdural collections is poorly understood and creates challenges for clinicians investigating the etiology of subdural collections. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of subdural collections on cross sectional imaging in children with macrocephaly correlating with subarachnoid space enlargement. MATERIALS AND METHODS The radiology information system of a large pediatric medical center was reviewed for "macrocrania" and "macrocephaly" on reports of cranial MRI/CT examinations in children <24 months of age, over a 24-month period. Head circumference was obtained from the clinical record. Studies were reviewed blindly for subdural collection presence and subarachnoid space size. Children with prior cranial surgery, parenchymal abnormalities, hydrocephalus, or conditions predisposing to parenchymal volume loss were excluded. Chart review was performed on those with subdural collections. RESULTS Imaging from 177 children with enlarged head circumference was reviewed. Nine were excluded, for a final cohort of 168 subjects (108 with enlarged subarachnoid space). Subdural collections were identified in 6 (3.6%), all with enlarged subarachnoid space (6/108, 5.6%). In 4, subdural collections were small, homogeneous, and nonhemorrhagic. In 2, the collections were complex (septations or hemorrhage). Two children were reported as victims of child abuse (both with complex collections). No definitive etiology was established in the other cases. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of subdural collections in imaged children with macrocrania was 3.6%, all occurring in children with enlarged subarachnoid space. Our results suggest that enlarged subarachnoid space can be associated with some subdural collections in this cohort. Despite this, we believe that unexpected subdural collections in children should receive close clinical evaluation for underlying causes, including abusive head trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Greiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children
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"Rabbit ear" scalp deformity caused by massive subdural effusion in infant following bilateral bur-hole drainage failure: successfully managed with subduro-peritoneal shunt. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29:1993-6. [PMID: 23881426 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-013-2233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Subdural effusion in an infant is a rare clinical scenario which may be secondary to a variety of etiologies. Massive subdural effusion is an extremely rare complication of head injury. CASE REPORT Authors report a rare case of progressive massive subdural effusion which, despite bilateral bur-hole placement and drainage, failed and presented with visual deterioration and massive bulge of the scalp at bur-hole sites, producing a rabbit ear appearance in a 10-month-old infant. Ultimately, cystoperitoneal shunt was carried out in a desperate attempt to prevent impending rupture of scalp sutures at sites of previous bur-hole placement. This was followed by not only complete resolution of hygroma but also visual recovery. The patient is doing well at 6 months following shunt, regaining normal vision and appropriate developmental milestones. A MRI scan of the brain was carried out at last follow-up, which revealed mild ventriculomegaly with the rest of the brain being unremarkable, and subduro-peritoneal shunt in situ. Such a case has not been reported in the literature till date. DISCUSSION Subdural effusion usually runs a self-limiting course. Though neurosurgical intervention is occasionally needed, different methods of surgical procedure for management include bur hole alone, bur holes with subdural drain placement, twist drill craniotomy with drain, and even craniotomy. Various methods of management are discussed along with a review of pertinent literature.
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Binenbaum G, Rogers DL, Forbes BJ, Levin AV, Clark SA, Christian CW, Liu GT, Avery R. Patterns of retinal hemorrhage associated with increased intracranial pressure in children. Pediatrics 2013; 132:e430-4. [PMID: 23878052 PMCID: PMC3727674 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) has been proposed as an isolated cause of retinal hemorrhages (RHs) in children with suspected traumatic head injury. We examined the incidence and patterns of RHs associated with increased ICP in children without trauma, measured by lumbar puncture (LP). METHODS Children undergoing LP as part of their routine clinical care were studied prospectively at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and retrospectively at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Inclusion criteria were absence of trauma, LP opening pressure (OP) ≥ 20 cm of water (cm H2O), and a dilated fundus examination by an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist. RESULTS One hundred children were studied (mean age: 12 years; range: 3-17 years). Mean OP was 35 cm H2O (range: 20-56 cm H2O); 68 (68%) children had OP >28 cm H2O. The most frequent etiology was idiopathic intracranial hypertension (70%). Seventy-four children had papilledema. Sixteen children had RH: 8 had superficial intraretinal peripapillary RH adjacent to a swollen optic disc, and 8 had only splinter hemorrhages directly on a swollen disc. All had significantly elevated OP (mean: 42 cm H2O). CONCLUSIONS Only a small proportion of children with nontraumatic elevated ICP have RHs. When present, RHs are associated with markedly elevated OP, intraretinal, and invariably located adjacent to a swollen optic disc. This peripapillary pattern is distinct from the multilayered, widespread pattern of RH in abusive head trauma. When RHs are numerous, multilayered, or not near a swollen optic disc (eg, elsewhere in the posterior pole or in the retinal periphery), increased ICP alone is unlikely to be the cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Binenbaum
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
| | - David L. Rogers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Alex V. Levin
- Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Sireesha A. Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Cindy W. Christian
- Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Robert Avery
- Neurology and Pediatrics, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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Barash IA, Medak AJ. Bilateral subdural hematomas after lumboperitoneal shunt placement. J Emerg Med 2013; 45:178-81. [PMID: 23643242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumboperitoneal shunts are commonly placed as treatment for a variety of conditions, and complications can be significant. OBJECTIVES We discuss a rare complication of these shunts, namely bilateral non-traumatic subdural hematoma formation. CASE REPORT A patient with a normal neurologic examination but severe nausea, weight loss, and dehydration presented 2 weeks after lumboperitoneal shunt placement for cryptococcal meningitis, and was found to have bilateral subdural hematomas. CONCLUSIONS Physicians should be aware of this potentially devastating complication of shunt placement so that prompt and appropriate treatment can be initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona A Barash
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California 92103, USA
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McKeag H, Christian CW, Rubin D, Daymont C, Pollock AN, Wood J. Subdural hemorrhage in pediatric patients with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2013; 11:438-44. [PMID: 23394356 PMCID: PMC8502493 DOI: 10.3171/2012.12.peds12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces has been theorized as a risk factor for the development of subdural hemorrhage (SDH). As the finding of unexplained SDH in children often raises suspicion for nonaccidental trauma, the possibility of increased risk of SDH in children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces has important clinical, social, and legal implications. Therefore, the authors evaluated the frequency of SDH in a cohort of children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces. METHODS The authors identified children younger than 2 years of age who were diagnosed with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces on MRI or CT scanning in a large primary care network between July 2001 and January 2008. The authors excluded children who had enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces diagnosed on imaging performed for trauma or developmental delay, as well as children with a history of prematurity, diagnosis of intracranial pathology, or metabolic or genetic disorders. Chart review recovered the following data: patient demographics, head circumference, history of head trauma, and head imaging results. For the subset of children with SDH, information regarding evaluation for other injuries, including skeletal survey, ophthalmological examination, and child protection team evaluation, was abstracted. RESULTS There were 177 children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces who met the inclusion criteria. Subdural hemorrhage was identified in 4 (2.3%) of the 177 children. All of the children with SDH underwent evaluations for suspected nonaccidental trauma, which included consultation by the child protection team, skeletal survey, and ophthalmological examination. Additional injuries (healing rib fractures) were identified in 1 of 4 patients. None of the 4 children had retinal hemorrhages. Only the child with rib fractures was reported to child protective services due to concerns for abuse. CONCLUSIONS Only a small minority of the patients with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces had SDH. Evidence of additional injuries concerning for physical abuse were identified in a quarter of the children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces and SDH, suggesting that an evaluation for suspected nonaccidental trauma including occult injury screening should be performed in cases of SDH with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces. In the absence of additional injuries, however, the presence of an unexplained SDH in the setting of enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces may be insufficient to support a diagnosis of nonaccidental trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather McKeag
- Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Cindy W. Christian
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia;,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia;,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carrie Daymont
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba;,The Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Avrum N. Pollock
- Department of Radiology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia;,Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joanne Wood
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia;,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Investigating the possibility and probability of perinatal subdural hematoma progressing to chronic subdural hematoma, with and without complications, in neonates, and its potential relationship to the misdiagnosis of abusive head trauma. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2013; 15:177-92. [PMID: 23434514 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Revised: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The high incidence of subdural hematoma (SDH) from birthing was first identified with MRI by Looney in 2007 and was then more accurately determined by Rooks in 2008. Rooks screened 101 "normal" deliveries and demonstrated that 46% of the babies in her series and by inference, approximately 46% of the 4 million born normally in the US have SDH that formed in the perinatal (birthing) period during labor. Both metabolic strain and physical forces exerted on the head damage the capillaries within the dura (the intradural capillary bed), which is the source of the blood in the SDH that results from labor and delivery or at times from labor alone. While child abuse pediatricians relying on Rooks, maintain that no permanent complications result, her study was limited to 101 subjects and the sole criteria for resolution was the resolution of the SDH as seen on follow-up MRI. In fact, Rooks did have one patient (1%) who had complications that lead to symptoms and findings often associated with abuse. The purpose of this article is to explore if there is a complication rate for perinatal (PSDH) that supports that 1% of complications that are definable by different criteria. Next, if there are complications, how many of the roughly 2,000,000 cases of perinatal acute subdural hematoma every year in the United States will suffer them? Then, what are the clinical manifestations of the complications if they occur? Lastly, do the complications cause or mimic some or all of the findings that are offered by board certified child abuse pediatricians as evidence of child abuse? The article argues that a small percentage, but significant number of neonates, suffer birth related complications and findings secondary to the development of chronic subdural hematoma CSDH) that are often misdiagnosed as abusive head trauma.
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Gardner HB. "Challenging the Pathophysiologic Connection between Subdural Hematoma, Retinal Hemorrhage, and Shaken Baby Syndrome". West J Emerg Med 2013; 13:535. [PMID: 23359631 PMCID: PMC3555589 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2012.3.12053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Squier W. The "Shaken Baby" syndrome: pathology and mechanisms. Acta Neuropathol 2011; 122:519-42. [PMID: 21947257 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-011-0875-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The "Shaken Baby" syndrome (SBS) is the subject of intense controversy; the diagnosis has in the past depended on the triad of subdural haemorrhage (SDH), retinal haemorrhage and encephalopathy. While there is no doubt that infants do suffer abusive injury at the hands of their carers and that impact can cause catastrophic intracranial damage, research has repeatedly undermined the hypothesis that shaking per se can cause this triad. The term non-accidental head injury has therefore been widely adopted. This review will focus on the pathology and mechanisms of the three physiologically associated findings which constitute the "triad" and are seen in infants suffering from a wide range of non-traumatic as well as traumatic conditions. "Sub" dural bleeding in fact originates within the deep layers of the dura. The potential sources of SDH include: the bridging veins, small vessels within the dura itself, a granulating haemorrhagic membrane and ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Most neuropathologists do not routinely examine eyes, but the significance of this second arm of the triad in the diagnosis of Shaken Baby syndrome is such that it merits consideration in the context of this review. While retinal haemorrhage can be seen clinically, dural and subarachnoid optic nerve sheath haemorrhage is usually seen exclusively by the pathologist and only rarely described by the neuroradiologist. The term encephalopathy is used loosely in the context of SBS. It may encompass anything from vomiting, irritability, feeding difficulties or floppiness to seizures, apnoea and fulminant brain swelling. The spectrum of brain pathology associated with retinal and subdural bleeding from a variety of causes is described. The most important cerebral pathology is swelling and hypoxic-ischaemic injury. Mechanical shearing injury is rare and contusions, the hallmark of adult traumatic brain damage, are vanishingly rare in infants under 1 year of age. Clefts and haemorrhages in the immediate subcortical white matter have been assumed to be due to trauma but factors specific to this age group offer other explanations. Finally, examples of the most common causes of the triad encountered in clinical diagnostic and forensic practice are briefly annotated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waney Squier
- Department of Neuropathology, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Klimo P, Matthews A, Lew SM, Zwienenberg-Lee M, Kaufman BA. Minicraniotomy versus bur holes for evacuation of chronic subdural collections in infants-a preliminary single-institution experience. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2011; 8:423-9. [PMID: 22044363 DOI: 10.3171/2011.8.peds1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Various surgical interventions have been described to evacuate chronic subdural collections (CSCs) of infancy. These include transfontanel percutaneous aspiration, subdural drains, placement of bur hole(s) with or without a subdural drain, and shunting. Shunt placement typically provides good long-term success (resolution of the subdural fluid), but comes with well-known early and late complications. Recently, the authors have used a mini-osteoplastic craniotomy technique with the goal of definitively treating these children with a single surgery while avoiding the many issues associated with a shunt. They describe their procedure and compare it with the traditional bur hole technique. METHODS In this single-institution retrospective study, the authors evaluated 26 cases involving patients who underwent treatment for CSC. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were reviewed, including radiographic findings (density of the subdural fluid and ventricular and subarachnoid space size), neurological examination findings, and intraoperative fluid description. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as the patient requiring any subsequent surgical intervention after the index procedure (minicraniotomy or bur hole placement). RESULTS Fifteen patients (10 male and 5 female; median age 5.1 months) collectively underwent 27 minicraniotomy procedures (each procedure representing a hemisphere that was treated). In the bur hole group, there were 11 patients (6 male and 5 female; median age 4.6 months) with 18 hemispheres treated. Both groups had subdural drains placed. The average follow-up for each treatment group was just over 7 months. Treatment failure occurred in 2 patients (13%) in the minicraniotomy group compared with 5 patients (45%) in the bur hole group (p = 0.09). Furthermore, the 2 patients who had treatment failure in the minicraniotomy group required 1 subsequent surgery each, whereas the 5 in the bur hole group needed a total of 9 subsequent surgeries. Eventually, 80% of the patients in the minicraniotomy group and 70% of those in the bur hole group had resolution of the subdural collections on the last imaging study. CONCLUSIONS The minicraniotomy technique may be a superior technique for the treatment of CSCs in infants compared with bur hole evacuation. The minicraniotomy provides greater visualization of the subdural space and allows more aggressive evacuation of the fluid, better irrigation of the space, the ability to fenestrate any accessible membranes safely, and continued egress of fluid into the subgaleal space. Although this preliminary report has obvious limitations, evaluation of this technique may be worthy of a prospective, multiinstitutional collaborative effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Klimo
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Bibliography. Obstetric and gynaecological anesthesia. Current world literature. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2011; 24:354-6. [PMID: 21637164 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0b013e328347b491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pollanen MS. Subdural hemorrhage in infancy: keep an open mind. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2011; 7:298-300. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-011-9238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Melville J, Narang S. Response to Vinchon et al. Childs Nerv Syst 2011; 27:205-6; author reply 207-8. [PMID: 21107582 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-010-1338-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gardner HB. Subdural hematoma in infants: can it occur spontaneously? Data from a prospective series and critical review of the literature by Vinchon et al. Childs Nerv Syst 2010; 26:1483; author reply 1485. [PMID: 20644941 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-010-1231-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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