Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2025

A Neonatal Rodent Model of Retroorbital Vein Injection
Published on: February 23, 2024
Raccoon eyes in a newborn
Rafael Inácio1, Joana Saldanha1
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
Introduction:Periorbital ecchymoses or "raccoon eyes" in the neonate/infant may be due to basal skull fractures or neuroblastoma.Case Report:A term male baby born by vacuum-assisted delivery developed a medium size subgaleal hematoma on the first day of life (DOL). On the third DOL, bilateral periorbital ecchymosis (raccoon eyes) developed. The cerebral ultrasound, hematologic and coagulation studies were normal. The raccoon eyes were interpreted as an extension of the subgaleal hematoma to the orbital ridges. At DOL 38, he was thriving and the raccoon eyes were resolved.Discussion:"Raccoon eyes" may result from a subgaleal hematoma without fracture caused by birth trauma.

