Korean J Radiol.  2001 Sep;2(3):171-174. 10.3348/kjr.2001.2.3.171.

MR Imaging of Shaken Baby Syndrome Manifested as Chronic Subdural Hematoma

• Lee Y
• Lee KS
• Hwang DH
• Lee IJ
• Kim HB
• Lee JY

• KMID: 754103
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2001.2.3.171

Abstract

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a form of child abuse that can cause significant head injuries, of which subdural hematoma (SDH) is the most common manifestation. We report the MRI findings of chronic SDH in three cases of SBS, involving two-, three- and eight-month-old babies. The SDH signal was mostly low on T1-weighted images and high on T2-weighted images, suggesting chronic SDH. In chronic SDH, a focal high signal on T1-weighted images was also noted, suggesting rebleeding. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed diffuse dural enhancement.

Keyword

Brain, MR; Children, central nervous system; Children, injunies

MeSH Terms

Brain/pathology
Case Report
*Child Abuse
Chronic Disease
Female
Hematoma, Subdural/diagnosis/*etiology
Human
Infant
*Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) in a three-month-old female patient. A. T1-weighted image shows mainly low-signal SDH, with a high signal focus in the left frontal area. B. On a T2-weighted image the signal intensity of the chronic SDH is mainly high, with a focal area of low intensity. C. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image shows overlying linear dural enhancement.

• 

  Fig. 2 Chronic SDH in an eight-month-old male patient. A. T1-weighted image shows low-signal SDH in both frontal areas. A high signal area, suggesting subacute hemorrhage, may also be observed in the right frontal area (arrow). B. On a T2-weighed image, the signal intensity of the SDH is mainly high, though there is a focal area of low intensity (arrow). C. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image shows diffuse linear dural enhancement.

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  Fig. 3 Chronic SDH in a two-month-old female patient. A. T1-weighted image shows low (though higher than CSF)-signal SDH in both cerebral hemispheres and the posterior fossa. In addition, a high signal area, suggesting subacute hemorrhage, can be seen in the occipital areas (arrows). B. T2-weighted image reveals high signal intensity SDHs in both frontoparietal and occipital areas (arrows). C. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image demonstrates diffuse linear dural enhancement.

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