An overview of inflicted head injury in infants and young children, with a review of beta-amyloid precursor protein immunohistochemistry.
BACKGROUND
Inflicted traumatic brain injury of infants and young children results in a complex array of autopsy findings. In many cases, immunostains for beta-amyloid precursor protein are used to detect axonal injury. Interpretation of the gross, microscopic, and immunostaining results requires the integration of the many facets of the individual case.


OBJECTIVE
In this article we review the gross and microscopic findings associated with inflicted traumatic brain injury. The application and interpretation of beta-amyloid precursor protein immunostains are discussed and photomicrographs are used to illustrate immunostaining patterns.


METHODS
The pertinent literature is integrated into a review of the subject.


CONCLUSIONS
Inflicted traumatic brain injury often results in subdural, subarachnoid, retinal, and optic nerve sheath hemorrhage. These findings must be interpreted within the entire context of the case. Beta-amyloid precursor protein immunostains may be helpful in illustrating the traumatic nature of the injuries in some cases.
Dolinak
David
D
Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. ddolinak@hotmail.com
Reichard
Ross
R