Ocular and Intracranial MR Imaging Findings in Abusive Head Trauma

Top Magn Reson Imaging. 2018 Dec;27(6):503-514. doi: 10.1097/RMR.0000000000000169.

Abstract

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a form of inflicted head injury. AHT is more frequent in 2-year-old or younger children. It is an important cause of neurological impairment and the major cause of death from head trauma in this age group. Brain magnetic resonance imaging allows the depiction of retinal hemorrhages, injured bridging veins, and identifying and localizing extra- and intra-axial bleeds, contusions, lacerations, and strokes. The diagnosis of AHT is a multidisciplinary team effort which includes a careful evaluation of social, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings. Notwithstanding, the introduction in the current clinical practice of high-resolution techniques is adding forensic evidence to the recognition of AHT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Eye / diagnostic imaging
  • Eye Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*