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

PURPOSE: To describe a 7-year-old boy with bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and unilateral vitreous base avulsion as the presenting signs of child abuse. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Vitreous base avulsion and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments may be the only presenting signs of child abuse.