Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Shaken Baby Syndrome

Citation:

Biousse, Valerie, Daniel Y. Suh, Nancy J. Newman, Patricia C. Davis, Timothy Mapstone, Scott R. Lambert: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in shaken baby syndrome. American Journal of Forensic and Medical Pathology 23(1):105, March 2002.

Abstract

Notes:

• CT scan often does not show the severity and extent of cerebral damage. Does not detect acute ischemia well.
• In the guidelines for imaging children with suspected physical abuse published by the American College of Radiology, an MRI is suggested if the CT is negative, or to help determine timing.
• While SBS can be missed, it is also sometimes overdiagnosed, with parents or caregivers falsely accused.
• "The demonstration of associated cerebral ischemia acutely may be the key to the diagnosis of SBS."
• Diffusion weighted imaging may help distinguish ischemia from traumatic axonal injury.
• Cerebral ischemia may be one of the mechanisms leading to irreversible damage in SBS.
• The length of a hypoxic episode is related to the severity of the brain damage.
• MRI is superior to CT in establishing timing.