Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
Published on: March 28, 2025
Traumatic Posterior Fossa Subdural Hygroma and Secondary Occlusive Hydrocephalus
Anqi Luo1, Sebastian Eibach, John Zovickian
1Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Posterior fossa subdural hygromas are rare in children. In this case, an external ventricular drain resolved the hygroma and hydrocephalus, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring after occipital fractures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Neurotrauma
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Infratentorial subdural hygromas leading to secondary occlusive hydrocephalus are exceptionally rare in pediatric patients.
- This study addresses a rare case of post-traumatic posterior fossa hygroma with obstructive hydrocephalus in an infant.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old infant presented with an occipital fracture and a progressively enlarging posterior fossa subdural hygroma.
- The hygroma led to obstructive hydrocephalus, a critical complication in pediatric head trauma.
Findings:
- Temporary external ventricular drain (EVD) placement provided immediate relief from hydrocephalus.
- Complete resolution of both the subdural hygroma and hydrocephalus was achieved following EVD treatment.
Implications:
- External ventricular drainage is an effective treatment for post-traumatic posterior fossa hygromas causing obstructive hydrocephalus in infants.
- Close clinical and imaging follow-up for up to 4 weeks is recommended for infants with occipital fractures to detect potential complications like subdural hygromas.
Background:
Infratentorial subdural hygromas causing secondary occlusive hydrocephalus are extremely rare in children. Only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature.
Methods:
We present a case of a 6-month-old infant with an occipital fracture and slow enlargement of a posterior fossa subdural hygroma that culminated in obstructive hydrocephalus. We give a review of the literature on post-traumatic posterior fossa hygroma with secondary occlusive hydrocephalus and discuss its pathogenesis and the mechanism of its later resolution, as well as the available treatment options.
Results:
A temporary external ventricular drain led to acute relief of the hydrocephalus and subsequent complete resolution of the subdural hygroma.
Conclusion:
Temporary external ventricular drain placement led to complete resolution of the subdural hygroma and hydrocephalus. We recommend close clinical follow-up, and imaging if indicated, for as long as 4 weeks after trauma with occipital skull fractures.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies