Abstract

CRISTINA, Catarina; DUARTE, Mariana; MATOS, Mário  and  MACHADO, Rita. Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection: An unusual cause of scalp swelling. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2023, vol.32, n.3, pp.232-236.  Epub Sep 30, 2023. ISSN 0872-0754.  https://doi.org/10.25753/birthgrowthmj.v32.i3.25731.

Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC) is a rare cause of scalp swelling in young infants whose exact etiology remains unknown. It is often associated with traumatic or instrumental delivery or fetal electrode monitoring. The diagnosis is clinical, with DSFC being differentiated from other causes of scalp swelling based on the characteristic history and physical examination findings. However, laboratory tests or head imaging study may be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Herein is presented the clinical case of a seven-week-old male infant brought to the pediatric Emergency Department with acute onset of large and fluctuant scalp swelling. He had been born by cesarean section after induction of labor and failure to progress. The diagnosis of DSFC was established after imaging studies.

DSFC is a very rare diagnosis, with only about 50 cases reported in the literature. Despite its acute onset, it is a benign condition that does not require additional laboratory or imaging studies. Current treatment is conservative and the condition usually resolves spontaneously.

Keywords : infant; scalp swelling; subaponeurotic fluid collection; subgaleal.

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