Case Report 2026-04-21 posted v1

Acute Subdural Hematoma and Retinal Hemorrhage Following a Witnessed Short-Distance Fall: A Case Report

N
Nobuyuki Akutsu Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital
H
Hideya Hayashi Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital
N
Nao Tachizawa Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital
J
Junji Koyama Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital
A
Atsufumi Kawamura Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital
T
Takashi Sasayama Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine

Abstract

Although acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and extensive retinal hemorrhage (RH) in infants are widely regarded as characteristic findings of abusive head trauma (AHT), they have also been reported in association with short-distance falls. We present a case of ASDH and RH following a short-distance fall in a 6-month-old infant, supported by third-party witness testimony. A 6-month-old boy rolled off a hotel bed approximately 40–50 cm in height and struck the occipital region of his head on the floor. Brain computed tomography performed on the day of injury revealed small bilateral ASDHs. Fundus examination performed 7 days after injury demonstrated bilateral RHs involving the macula, as well as hemorrhages in the peripheral retina. A police investigation found no evidence of abuse and concluded that the injuries were consistent with the reported fall. While ASDH and RH strongly warrant evaluation for AHT, rare cases may occur after short-distance falls. Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Citation Information

@article{nobuyukiakutsu2026,
  title={Acute Subdural Hematoma and Retinal Hemorrhage Following a Witnessed Short-Distance Fall: A Case Report},
  author={Nobuyuki Akutsu and Hideya Hayashi and Nao Tachizawa and Junji Koyama and Atsufumi Kawamura and Takashi Sasayama},
  journal={Research Square},
  year={2026},
  doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9071916/v1}
}
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