Abstract
To describe the role of ophthalmologists in shaken baby syndrome evaluation. Case report. A 3.5-month-old girl was admitted to the Pediatrics Clinic with lethargy. The mother, who brought in the baby, claimed that the baby had fallen from her cradle 6 hours ago. Clinical examination showed signs of head injury. Ophthalmologic examination was requested and revealed extensive retinal hemorrhages bilaterally covering the whole fundus, and retrohyaloid hematoma in the right eye. Computerized tomography neuroimaging documented large subdural hematomas exerting force on the brain parenchyma. The sum of the results of the clinical and neuroimaging examination-retinal hemorrhages and subdural hematomas-was indicative of violent shaking of the baby. Coronal evaluation was unable to determine whether the baby was abused by her parents or whether she was accidentally hurt. Ophthalmologic examination is necessary to document shaken baby syndrome since it reveals the retinal hemorrhages which together with the neuroimaging findings are almost always present in such cases. However, even when all the signs of shaken baby syndrome are present, it is difficult and sometimes destructive for a parent to be falsely accused of abusing his or her own child.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
