Bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with unilateral vitreous base avulsion as the presenting signs of child abuse.

PURPOSE: To describe a 7-year-old boy with bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and unilateral vitreous base avulsion as the presenting signs of child abuse.

METHOD: Case report.

RESULTS

Examination demonstrated no external signs of trauma or ocular findings typically found in battered child syndrome; however, findings of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and vitreous base avulsion raised the suspicion of child abuse, which was confirmed with further history. A scleral buckle procedure and pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade were performed in the right eye followed by a similar procedure in the left eye 1 week later.

CONCLUSION

Vitreous base avulsion and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments may be the only presenting signs of child abuse.