An overview of inflicted head injury in infants and young children, with a review of beta-amyloid precursor protein immunohistochemistry.

CONTEXT: 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.

DATA SOURCES: 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.