Ocular Manifestations of Child Abuse

Ocular Manifestations of Child Abuse

Ocular Manifestations of Child Abuse

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Overview & Red Flags - Spotting Trouble Early

  • Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) / Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS): Major cause of infant traumatic death & disability.
  • Suspect Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) with:
    • Vague, inconsistent, or changing history.
    • Delayed medical attention for significant injury.
    • Multiple injuries, especially in different stages of healing.
    • Patterned injuries or specific fractures (e.g., posterior ribs, metaphyseal).
    • Bruising in atypical areas (📌 TEN-4 FACES: Torso, Ears, Neck in <4 yrs; Any bruise in <4 months). TEN-4-FACESp Bruising Clinical Decision Rule

⭐ Retinal hemorrhages (RH) are present in ~75% of AHT cases; often bilateral, multilayered, and extending to the periphery (ora serrata).

Retinal Revelations - Hemorrhages Galore

  • Hallmark of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT); often bilateral & asymmetric.
  • Types & Location:
    • Intraretinal: Dot, blot, flame-shaped (most common).
    • Preretinal (Subhyaloid): Boat-shaped, can form pseudo-hypopyon.
    • Vitreous: May obscure fundal view.
    • Subretinal: Less frequent.
  • Classic AHT Pattern: 📌 B-MEN
    • Bilateral (though often asymmetric).
    • Multilayered (intra-, pre-, sub-retinal).
    • Extensive (reaching ora serrata).
    • Numerous ("too numerous to count" - TNTC).
  • Pathophysiology: Vitreoretinal traction from repetitive acceleration-deceleration forces (shaking).
  • Associated Posterior Segment Injuries:
    • Traumatic retinoschisis (esp. circumferential perimacular folds).
    • Optic nerve sheath hemorrhage.
    • Macular holes/folds.
    • Chorioretinal scars (late finding). Ocular Manifestations of Child Abuse

⭐ Multilayered retinal hemorrhages extending to the ora serrata are highly specific for AHT, reported in 65-95% of cases.

Anterior Eye & Adnexa - Bruises & Breaks

  • Periorbital Ecchymosis (Bruising):
    • "Raccoon eyes" (bilateral) without major trauma history.
    • Patterned (e.g., belt, fingers), multiple bruises of varying ages.
  • Lid Lacerations: Note depth, involvement of canaliculi or tarsal plate.
  • Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Extensive, bilateral, or recurrent without clear cause is suspicious.
  • Corneal Injuries: Abrasions (fluorescein positive), lacerations.
  • Hyphema: Blood in anterior chamber; risk of ↑IOP, corneal staining.
  • Iris/Ciliary Body Tears: Iridodialysis (iris root), cyclodialysis (ciliary body).
  • Lens Subluxation/Dislocation: Phacodonesis, iridodonesis.
  • Orbital Fractures: Blowout (floor/medial wall common); diplopia, restricted EOM. Ocular Manifestations of Child Abuse

⭐ Bilateral periorbital ecchymosis ("raccoon eyes") without a clear history of significant accidental trauma is highly suggestive of non-accidental injury (NAI).

Mimics & Management - Sorting & Steps

  • Mimics:

    • Accidental trauma (history mismatch).
    • Birth trauma (resolves, e.g., subconjunctival hemorrhage).
    • Bleeding disorders (systemic signs, labs).
    • Terson Syndrome (associated intracranial hemorrhage).
  • Management Protocol:

    • High suspicion index.
    • Detailed dilated fundus exam: document retinal hemorrhage (RH) characteristics (📌 Bilateral, Extensive to ora, Multilayered, Numerous - BEMN).
    • Systemic workup: Skeletal survey (if <2 yrs), Neuroimaging (CT/MRI), Coagulation profile.
    • Meticulous documentation (diagrams, photos).
    • Mandatory reporting to Child Protective Services (CPS).
    • Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) involvement.
    • Specific ocular injury treatment.

⭐ Bilateral, multilayered, and numerous retinal hemorrhages extending to the ora serrata are highly specific for Abusive Head Trauma (AHT).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Bilateral, multilayered retinal hemorrhages, especially extending to the ora serrata, are highly suggestive.
  • Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the predominant etiology.
  • Key associated findings include vitreous hemorrhage, traumatic retinoschisis, and characteristic perimacular folds.
  • Optic nerve sheath hemorrhages and papilledema can also be present.
  • Dilated fundus examination is crucial; external signs of trauma may be absent.
  • Important differentials: birth trauma, leukemia, coagulopathies, severe hypertension.
  • Patterned skin injuries or bruises elsewhere on the body should raise suspicion immediately.

Practice Questions: Ocular Manifestations of Child Abuse

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Which of the following is not a differential diagnosis of non-accidental injury?

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Flashcards: Ocular Manifestations of Child Abuse

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_____ system is used for the classification of chemical injuries to the eye.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ system is used for the classification of chemical injuries to the eye.

Roper Hall

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