Delayed Infant Subaponeurotic (Subgaleal) Fluid Collections: A Case Series of 11 Infants

Abstract

Background: Although subgaleal hemorrhage can present very soon after delivery with catastrophic consequences, subaponeurotic or subgaleal fluid collections are rare and clinically distinct causes of infant scalp swelling that present weeks to months after birth. Their exact etiology remains uncertain; however, they are frequently associated with instrumental and traumatic delivery.

Aim & methods: To characterize 11 subaponeurotic fluid collections that presented to the Temple Street Children's University Hospital Emergency Department (TSCUHED) from July 2013 to July 2015 by a retrospective chart review.

Case report: Eleven infants were identified with delayed subaponeurotic fluid collections. Of note, all infants were either successful vacuum delivery or failed vacuum delivery with subsequent forceps delivery or emergency caesarean section. All infants were otherwise well at presentation, and resolution of the scalp swelling occurred within weeks to months. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This condition follows a benign course and conservative management is the treatment of choice.

Keywords: infant scalp swelling; subaponeurotic; subgaleal; vacuum delivery.