OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND VISUAL OUTCOMES IN PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA.

PURPOSE: Compare follow-up optical coherence tomography with visual function in children with abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome).

METHODS

Retrospective follow-up studies of three children who were victims of abusive head trauma within the first year of life.

RESULTS

Optical coherence tomography showed disrupted retinal layering, thick detached internal limiting membrane, focal posterior vitreous separation, and multilayered tractional retinoschisis. Significant vision loss occurred in three of four eyes with a history of traumatic retinoschisis. Normal visual acuity and low-normal visual-evoked potentials were measured in a child with foveal distortion, reduced global nerve fiber layer thickness, detached internal limiting membrane, and history of vitreous hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Significant abnormalities of retinal anatomy can be detected on optical coherence tomography years after abusive head trauma. Optical coherence tomographies and assessment of visual pathways help to elucidate causes of visual dysfunction in children with abusive head trauma.