Elsevier

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Volume 13, Issue 2, Marchā€“April 1995, Pages 233-239
The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Retinal hemorrhage in the young child: A review of etiology, predisposed conditions, and clinical implicationsā˜†

https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-4679(94)00145-6Get rights and content

Abstract

Retinal hemorrhage is a frequent finding in child abuse, but may also be associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, accidental trauma, and a variety of illnesses such as blood dyscrasias and infections. Although it is imperative that child abuse be considered in all children who present with retinal hemorrhages, whether retinal hemorrhages can be attributed to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in suspected cases of abuse poses a dilemma. The etiologies of retinal hemorrhage as well as the literature presently available to support or refute the various diagnoses are discussed. Guidelines for funduscopic examination in the Emergency Department as well as a clinical classification of retinal hemorrhage are provided. In addition, guidelines are suggested for the appropriate clinical investigations in children with retinal hemorrhages.

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    ā˜†

    Emergency Medicine in Review is coordinated by Ann Harwood-Nuss, md, of University Hospital of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida.

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