Revisiting neuroimaging of abusive head trauma in infants and young children

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to use a mechanism-based approach to review the neuroimaging findings of abusive head trauma to infants. Advanced neuroimaging provides insights into not only the underlying mechanisms of craniocerebral injuries but also the long-term prognosis of brain injury for children on whom these injuries have been inflicted. CONCLUSION. Knowledge of the traumatic mechanisms, the key neuroimaging findings, and the implications of functional imaging findings should help radiologists characterize the underlying causes of the injuries inflicted, thereby facilitating effective treatment.