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Globular subdural hematoma in a shunt-treated infant: case report
Takahiro Murata1, Hiroaki Shigeta, Tetsuyoshi Horiuchi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan. tmurata@shinshu-u.ac.jp
This case report describes a rare instance of a globular subdural hematoma in a 13-month-old girl with severe congenital hydrocephalus and myeloschisis. Following ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, the patient developed convulsive seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large subdural round mass in the left parietal region, which the authors identified as a globular subdural hematoma. The hematoma did not respond to changes in valve pressure, so the patient underwent craniotomy to remove the hematoma and resect thick outer membranes. Postoperative imaging showed the complete disappearance of the hematoma, and no further shunt complications were observed during long-term follow-up. The authors suggest that the globular shape may be due to a thin cerebral mantle and craniocerebral disproportion. This is the first reported case of a globular SDH in the literature.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery outcomes research within pediatric neurology
- Hydrocephalus treatment within neurosurgical interventions
Background:
Subdural hematoma is a recognized complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in infants with hydrocephalus. Typically, these hematomas appear as crescent-shaped lesions on imaging, spreading over the cerebral convexity. However, the occurrence of a globular subdural hematoma is rare and has not been widely documented in medical literature. Prior research has shown that most subdural hematomas following shunt procedures are associated with trauma or increased intracranial pressure. No prior work had resolved the specific mechanism behind the formation of a globular SDH. This gap motivated the authors to report a unique case where the hematoma appeared as a round mass rather than the typical crescent shape. The patient had a history of severe congenital hydrocephalus and myeloschisis, which may contribute to unusual anatomical conditions. The authors propose that the globular form may be linked to a thin cerebral mantle and craniocerebral disproportion. This case highlights the need for further investigation into the pathophysiology of atypical subdural hematomas.
Purpose Of The Study:
The purpose of the study was to document and analyze a rare case of globular subdural hematoma in an infant following ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. The authors aimed to describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes of this unusual hematoma. The patient was a 13-month-old girl with a history of severe congenital hydrocephalus and myeloschisis. The goal was to determine the cause of the globular SDH and assess the effectiveness of surgical intervention. The patient developed convulsive seizures, prompting further investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a round mass lesion in the left parietal region. The authors sought to understand the mechanism behind the globular shape and its clinical implications. The study also aimed to provide insights into the management of such rare cases. The authors postulate that the globular SDH may be related to the patient's anatomical abnormalities.
Main Methods:
The study involved a case report of a 13-month-old girl with a history of severe congenital hydrocephalus and myeloschisis. The patient underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement following myeloschisis repair. The authors used magnetic resonance imaging to assess the patient's condition. The imaging revealed a large subdural round mass with a pedestal-like lesion in the left parietal region. The authors reviewed the patient's medical history and clinical presentation. They analyzed the imaging findings to determine the nature of the hematoma. The patient was treated with a craniotomy to remove the hematoma and resect thick outer membranes. Postoperative MR imaging was conducted to evaluate the outcome of the procedure. The authors also discussed the possible mechanisms behind the formation of the globular SDH.
Main Results:
The patient presented with convulsive seizures following ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large subdural round mass with a pedestal-like lesion in the left parietal region. The lesion was surrounded by a thin cerebral mantle. The hematoma did not respond to changes in valve pressure, prompting surgical intervention. The patient underwent craniotomy to remove the hematoma and resect thick outer membranes. Postoperative MR imaging demonstrated the complete disappearance of the SDH. No additional shunt complications were observed during long-term follow-up. The authors concluded that this was the first reported case of a globular SDH in the literature. The globular shape was attributed to the thin cerebral mantle and craniocerebral disproportion. The successful surgical intervention led to a favorable outcome for the patient.
Conclusions:
The authors concluded that the globular subdural hematoma was a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in infants with severe congenital hydrocephalus. The unique shape of the hematoma was attributed to the thin cerebral mantle and craniocerebral disproportion. The patient's condition improved following surgical intervention, with no recurrence of the hematoma. The authors postulate that the globular SDH may be caused by anatomical abnormalities associated with severe hydrocephalus. The case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical subdural hematomas in infants with complex neurological conditions. The successful treatment outcome supports the use of craniotomy for such cases. The authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind globular SDH formation. The findings may contribute to the management of similar cases in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
A globular subdural hematoma is a rare type of hematoma that appears as a round mass on imaging, unlike the typical crescent-shaped subdural hematomas.
The globular SDH was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a large subdural round mass with a pedestal-like lesion in the left parietal region.
Craniotomy was performed because the hematoma did not respond to changes in valve pressure and the patient experienced convulsive seizures.
Postoperative MR imaging showed the complete disappearance of the SDH, and no additional shunt complications were observed during follow-up.
The authors propose that the globular SDH was caused by a thin cerebral mantle associated with severe craniocerebral disproportion.
Yes, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with globular SDH in the literature.
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