Differences in head circumference and neuroimaging characteristics : what can they tell about the aetiologies of infant subdural haematoma?

• Background Acute (ASDH) and chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) in infants have been regarded as highly specific for abuse. A recent study showed different risk factors for ASDH and CSDH, indicating that CSDH in many cases was related to external hydrocephalus. Purpose To investigate to what extent external hydrocephalus may explain findings and symptoms interpreted as signs of abusive head trauma. Material and methods Eighty-five infants with ASDH (n=16) and CSDH (n=69) were reviewed with regard to cranio-cortical- (CCW), sino-cortical- (SCW), frontal interhemispheric-(IHW), subarachnoid space width (SSW) and head circumference (HC). In infants with unilateral SDH, the correlation between the contralateral SSW and the ipsilateral CCW and SDH width was calculated. A correlation would imply that the CSDH replaces an already existing extracerebral space.Results Infants with CSDH had significantly higher CCW, SCW, IHW and SSW than infants with ASDH (p < 0.05). The ipsilateral CCW (R = 0.92, p < 0.001) and SDH width (R = 0.81, p < 0.01) were correlated to the contralateral SSW. Increased HC was more prevalent in Infants with CSDH (71%) than in infants with ASDH (14%) (p < 0.01). Forty-two infants, all with CSDH, had at least one of CCW, SCW or IHW ≥ 95th percentile. Twenty infants, all with CSDH, had CCW, SCW and IHW > 5 mm and increased HC. Conclusion A significant proportion of infants with CSDH may have external hydrocephalus as an underlying cause and that parts of the widened subarachnoid space in some infants is replaced by a CSDH.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Annan klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Other Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Abusive head trauma

external hydrocephalus

hygroma

shaken baby syndrome

subdural haematoma

Rättsmedicin

Forensic Medicine

Radiology

Radiologi

Pediatrik

Pediatrics

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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