Ocular pathology in shaken baby syndrome and other forms of infantile non-accidental head injury

Int J Legal Med. 2009 May;123(3):189-97. doi: 10.1007/s00414-008-0293-8. Epub 2008 Oct 21.

Abstract

Retinal and optic nerve sheath hemorrhages are an essential part of the various forms of inflicted neurotrauma in infants, especially in its most common variant, the shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Clinically, ophthalmologists play an important part for the diagnosis and further management of patients with SBS. For the forensic pathologist, a thorough understanding of the basic principles behind the morphological phenomena commonly encountered in the orbita is required. This review summarizes the present knowledge of ocular pathology in inflicted infantile neurotrauma, focusing strongly on SBS. Furthermore, a review of the most recent literature on the subject is given.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Child Abuse / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Expert Testimony / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Eye / pathology
  • Eye Injuries / pathology*
  • Hemorrhage / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / pathology
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / pathology*
  • Retina / pathology
  • Retinal Hemorrhage / pathology*
  • Shaken Baby Syndrome / pathology*
  • Syndrome
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / pathology