Table 14.31 Diagnostic Findings in Shaken Baby Syndrome (Carbaugh, 2004 pg 110)
| Test | Findings consistent with SBS |
| Computerized Tomography (CT) |
Subdural hematomas Subarachnoid haemorrhage Cerebral contusions Cerebral edema Subtle skull fractures Ventricular enlargement Brain atrophy (chronic finding) Hypodense areas |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
Subdural haematomas Subarachnoid haemorrhages Cerebral contusions Cerebral edema Subtle skull fractures Ventricular enlargement Brain atrophy (chronic finding) Hypodense areas Intraparenchymal lesions Chemical state changes of haemoglobin that substantiate repeated injuries |
| Skeletal Survey |
Long bone injury Traction fractures (corner and bucket handle) Periosteal striping Metaphyseal fracture Shaft fracture Long bone bruising Skull fractures Rib fractures Fractures in various stage of healing |
| Ophthalmologic Examination |
Retinal haemorrhages Vitreous haemorrhage Papilledema Retinal detachment Anisocoria (unequal pupils) Orbital and lid ecchymosis Subconjunctival haemorrhage Disconjugate eye movements Hyphema Sixth nerve palsy Disruptions of contents of the eye Optic nerve haemorrhage Optic nerve scleral junction haemorrhage Orbital fat haemorrhage |
| Other Findings |
Bloody cerebrospinal fluid Mildly to moderate anemia Clotting dysfunction Elevated transaminase levels (indicates occult liver injury) |