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Ophthalmologic Concerns in Abusive Head Trauma

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Abstract

When Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) is suspected in a child, a dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist is an essential part of the medical workup, as the presence and pattern of retinal hemorrhages can have a high positive predictive rate for abusive head injury. This article proposes to review the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, natural history, sequelae, and differential diagnosis of retinal hemorrhages and other ocular lesions associated with AHT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Wills Eye Hospital, Ste. 1210, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107-5109, USA

    Alex V. Levin

  2. Departments of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA

    Alex V. Levin

  3. Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA

    Francois M. Luyet & Barbara L. Knox

  4. UW Child Protection Program, University of Wisconsin American Family Children’s Hospital, 600 Highland Ave, H4/428 Clinical Science Center, Madison, WI, 53792-4108, USA

    Francois M. Luyet & Barbara L. Knox

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  1. Alex V. Levin
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  2. Francois M. Luyet
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  3. Barbara L. Knox
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Correspondence to Barbara L. Knox.

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Levin, A.V., Luyet, F.M. & Knox, B.L. Ophthalmologic Concerns in Abusive Head Trauma. J Fam Viol 31, 797–804 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-016-9840-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-016-9840-0

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