Bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with unilateral vitreous base avulsion as the presenting signs of child abuse.

Abstract

To describe a 7-year-old boy with bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and unilateral vitreous base avulsion as the presenting signs of child abuse. Case report. Examination demonstrated no external signs of trauma or ocular findings typically found in battered child syndrome; however, findings of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and vitreous base avulsion raised the suspicion of child abuse, which was confirmed with further history. A scleral buckle procedure and pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade were performed in the right eye followed by a similar procedure in the left eye 1 week later. Vitreous base avulsion and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments may be the only presenting signs of child abuse.