Shaken baby syndrome and the death of Matthew Eappen: a forensic pathologist's response.
Subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, and cerebral edema have been considered diagnostic for a "shaken infant" since the syndrome was described almost 30 years ago. However, the specificity of these findings has been disputed by defense witnesses in recent U.S. criminal prosecutions. This review examines the scientific basis for the shaken baby syndrome.
Plunkett
J
J
Regina Medical Center, and Minnesota Regional Coroner's Office, Hastings 55033, USA.
D001497:Battered Child Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality*; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000175:diagnosis; D002423:Cause of Death; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis; D013577:Syndrome