{Reference Type}: Case Reports
{Title}: A Retrospective Study of Cervical Spine MRI Findings in Children with Abusive Head Trauma.
{Author}: Governale LS;Brink FW;Pluto CP;Schunemann VA;Weber R;Rusin J;Fischer BA;Letson MM;
{Journal}: Pediatr Neurosurg
{Volume}: 53
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2018
{Factor}: 1.165
{DOI}: 10.1159/000481511
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Increasing attention has been given to the possible association of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries with abusive head trauma (AHT). The aims of this study were to describe c-spine MRI findings in hospitalized AHT patients.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This is a retrospective study of children under the age of 5 years with AHT admitted to hospital in 2004-2013. Those with c-spine MRI were identified, and the images were reviewed.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>250 AHT cases were identified, with 34 (14%) undergoing c-spine MRI. Eleven patients (32%) had 25 findings, including hematoma in 2, occiput-C1-C2 edema in 3, prevertebral edema in 6, facet edema in 2, and interspinous and/or muscular edema in 10. No patients had a clinically evident c-spine injury, a clinically unstable c-spine, or required c-spine surgery.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>C-spine MRI may identify abnormalities not apparent upon physical examination and the procedure should therefore be considered in cases of suspected AHT.