shaken baby syndrome
A form of abusive head trauma in infants characterized by subdural hematomas, retinal hemorrhages, and brain injury from violent shaking.
Full Definition
Shaken baby syndrome, now more commonly termed abusive head trauma (AHT), is a serious form of child abuse involving violent shaking of infants or young children. The rapid acceleration-deceleration forces create characteristic imaging findings including subdural hematomas (often bilateral and of different ages), retinal hemorrhages, and brain parenchymal injury. Pediatric radiologists must recognize the imaging patterns that suggest abuse versus accidental trauma, including the distribution and dating of intracranial hemorrhages, presence of skull fractures, and associated injuries. The diagnosis requires careful correlation with clinical history, ophthalmologic findings, and exclusion of medical conditions that might mimic abuse. Documentation must be precise and objective, as these cases often involve legal proceedings.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred terminology is now 'abusive head trauma' to reflect broader mechanisms of injury.
In Context
- "The bilateral subdural hematomas of different ages raised concern for shaken baby syndrome." — Child protection case documentation
- "Shaken baby syndrome was considered in the differential given the constellation of neuroimaging findings." — Pediatric emergency radiology report