Infected subgaleal hematoma in a 4-month-old girl

Subgaleal hematoma is an uncommon, but potential sequela of birth trauma and instrument-assisted delivery of neonates, as well as head trauma in young children. A rare complication is an infection of the subgaleal hematoma, which typically happens due to concomitant scalp lacerations. Escherichia coli is the most common causative pathogen in peripartum cases, and Staphylococcus aureus predominates in trauma cases. An even more rare complication is infection of the hematoma with intact overlying skin, the proposed mechanism of action of which is a hematogenous spread of the bacteria. In this case, we report a 4-month-old unimmunized girl who sustained a subgaleal hematoma after a falling incident that did not result in any scalp laceration. She presented 5 days later with fever, irritability, increased scalp swelling, skin erythema, and site tenderness. Her blood culture remained sterile, but the hematoma aspirate culture grew Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient had a recent upper respiratory tract infection that we suspected to be the primary source of infection. She responded well to antibiotic therapy and required no surgical intervention. Conclusion: Subgaleal hematoma infection should be suspected in a child who presents with increased hematoma swelling, irritability, fever, and local signs of infection. Early recognition and treatment with antibiotics can prevent further complications, such as abscess formation and skull osteomyelitis.