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Intrauterine skull depression and intracranial hemorrhage in a premature infant
D G Batton1, F DiCarmine, D K Boal
1Department of Pediatrics, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey.
Insights
Premature infants with parietal skull depressions may face neurological issues like intraventricular hemorrhage. These birth injuries can lead to delayed motor skills and spastic hemiplegia in children.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Parietal skull depressions, or 'ping-pong fractures,' are uncommon birth injuries.
- While often considered benign, their association with adverse neurological outcomes requires further investigation.
Observation:
- A premature infant presented with a parietal skull depression at birth.
- The infant subsequently experienced intraventricular hemorrhage and an ipsilateral intracerebral injury.
Findings:
- At 21 months, the infant exhibited delayed gross motor milestones.
- Moderate spastic hemiplegia was diagnosed, indicating significant neurological impairment.
Implications:
- This case highlights that seemingly benign skull depressions can be linked to severe, long-term neurological sequelae.
- Clinicians should consider thorough neurodevelopmental assessment in infants with skull depressions, even if initially appearing minor.
Abstract:
The authors describe a case of a premature infant born with a parietal skull depression who suffered an intraventricular hemorrhage and an ipsilateral intracerebral injury. At 21 months of life the infant's gross motor milestones were delayed and he had moderate spastic hemiplegia. Although skull depressions at birth are usually benign, they may be associated with long-term neurologic sequelae.