Related Experiment Videos
Benign subarachnoid space enlargement of infancy
R O Suara1, A J Trouth, M Collins
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Howard University Hospital Washington, DC, USA.
Insights
Subarachnoid space enlargement in infants is a benign condition causing rapid head growth but normal development. This fluid collection typically resolves by age two, though head circumference may remain large.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Subarachnoid space enlargement is a recognized benign condition.
- Characterized by rapid head enlargement in infants with normal neurodevelopment.
Observation:
- Two infants presented with rapid increases in head circumference.
- Both had family histories of macrocephaly and normal neurodevelopment.
- Radiologic imaging revealed subarachnoid space fluid collection with normal ventricular size.
Findings:
- Both infants experienced a benign clinical course.
- Subarachnoid fluid collection resolved by the second year of life.
- Head circumference remained at or above the 95th percentile post-resolution.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing subarachnoid space enlargement as a benign entity.
- Informs pediatricians about the typical resolution and long-term head circumference findings.
- Aids in differentiating this condition from more serious causes of macrocephaly.
Abstract:
Subarachnoid space enlargement is a benign clinical entity characterized by rapid head enlargement in an infant with normal neurodevelopment. We report on two infants who had rapid increases in head circumference, family histories of macrocephaly, and normal neurodevelopment. Radiologic investigations in both infants showed subarachnoid space fluid collection but normal ventricular size. They both had a benign clinical course with resolution of the subarachnoid space fluid collection by the second year of life. The head circumference, however, remained at or above the 95th percentile. There is a need for pediatricians to be aware of this clinical entity and its benign nature.