Rapid resolution of infantile acute subdural hematoma: a case report

Subdural hematomas in infants are uncommon but usually result from non-accidental trauma or from trauma associated with motor vehicle accidents. This report describes the case of an infant with a traumatic acute subdural hematoma that resolved within 65 hours. A 23-month-old boy fell from a height of approximately 10 m. Brain computed tomography disclosed a left subdural hematoma with midline shift. The associated clots resolved spontaneously within 65 hours of the injury. Although they may mimic more clinically significant subdural hematomas, such collections of clots are likely to be located at least partly within the subarachnoid space. Their recognition may influence decisions regarding both surgical evacuation and the likelihood of non-accidental injury. Clinical and radiographic features distinguishing these "disappearing subdural hematomas" from more typical subdural hematomas are discussed.