Shaken baby syndrome diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging.
Publication/Presentation Date
9-1-1989
Abstract
We report an infant with Shaken Baby syndrome (SBS) who presented with status epilepticus. The initial evaluation with computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) of the head was normal, and there was no history or physical finding consistent with physical abuse or shaking. This prompted an extensive evaluation to determine the etiology of the seizures. An ophthalmology consultation revealed the presence of severe bilateral retinal hemorrhages, which raised the possibility of SBS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebral hemorrhages, hemorrhagic contusions, and bilateral subtemporal subdural hematomas. This is the first reported case of SBS diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging following a normal initial CAT scan. MRI may be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of brain injury in SBS and may be particularly valuable when the CAT scan of the head is normal, the etiology of neurologic injury is unclear, and the presence of retinal hemorrhages raises the suspicion of SBS.
Volume
5
Issue
3
First Page
181
Last Page
186
ISSN
0749-5161
Published In/Presented At
Levin, A. V., Magnusson, M. R., Rafto, S. E., & Zimmerman, R. A. (1989). Shaken baby syndrome diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Pediatric emergency care, 5(3), 181–186. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006565-198909000-00011
Disciplines
Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology
PubMedID
2691992
Department(s)
Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Document Type
Article