Unilateral retinal hemorrhages in documented cases of child abuse

A V Drack; J Petronio; A Capone

doi:10.1016/S0002-9394(99)00147-6

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Unilateral retinal hemorrhages in documented cases of child abuse

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Unilateral retinal hemorrhages in documented cases of child abuse

A V Drack, J Petronio and A Capone

American journal of ophthalmology, Vol.128(3), pp.340-344

09/1999

DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9394(99)00147-6

PMID: 10511029

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Abstract

To describe the occurrence of unilateral retinal hemorrhages in four cases of documented child abuse, including a case in which retinal hemorrhages were an incidental finding on routine examination. Case reports. Three children, 5 to 17 months of age, with suspected child abuse had fundus examinations with a dilated pupil as part of their evaluation. An additional child, 6 months of age, received fundus examination with a dilated pupil as part of follow-up for regressed retinopathy of prematurity. Each of the four children had extensive retinal or preretinal hemorrhages in one eye only. Three of the four had ecchymoses on the ipsilateral face or neck. Two had evidence of bone fractures on skeletal surveys. All four had neuroimaging that documented cerebral hemorrhage or infarct. In all four cases an adult caretaker was found responsible for shaking, choking, or squeezing the child. One child died. Two had resolution of retinal hemorrhage, whereas one required vitrectomy. All three had at least partial recovery of vision in the affected eye after amblyopia treatment. In cases of documented child abuse, unilateral retinal or preretinal hemorrhages may be present. Ophthalmologists should recognize that unilateral retinal or preretinal hemorrhages may be associated with child abuse.

Battered Child Syndrome - complications

Eye Injuries - diagnosis

Retinal Hemorrhage - etiology

Humans

Wounds, Nonpenetrating - etiology

Cerebral Infarction - diagnosis

Infant

Male

Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Brain Injuries - diagnosis

Cerebral Hemorrhage - diagnosis

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Retinal Hemorrhage - diagnosis

Eye Injuries - etiology

Wounds, Nonpenetrating - diagnosis

Cerebral Infarction - etiology

Female

Brain Injuries - etiology

Cerebral Hemorrhage - etiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Unilateral retinal hemorrhages in documented cases of child abuse
Creators: A V Drack - Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
J Petronio
A Capone
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of ophthalmology, Vol.128(3), pp.340-344
Publisher: United States
DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9394(99)00147-6
PMID: 10511029
ISSN: 0002-9394
eISSN: 1879-1891
Language: English
Date published: 09/1999
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Record Identifier: 9983980017702771

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