Spontaneous subgaleal haematoma with severe headache in two children during acute painful sickle cell crisis

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of haemoglobin formation, predominantly affecting individuals of African, Indian, or Mediterranean descent. Acute painful episodes frequently occur in these patients due to the blockage of small blood vessels by sickled cells, leading to tissue infarction. Two children of Nigerian descent, presented with severe headaches during a painful crisis episode with associated swelling on their scalps. CT imaging in both cases showed subgaleal haematoma which was managed conservatively in addition to managing the painful crisis with a good outcome. This report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management of this uncommon complication of sickle cell anaemia.

Figure 1

Computed tomography scan of head (sagittal view) showing subgaleal haematoma in right parietal region (arrowed) in 9-year-old SCA girl.

Figure 2

Computed tomography scan of the head (sagittal view) showing subgaleal haematoma (arrowed) in the left parietal region of male adolescent sickle cell anaemia patient.