An Unusual Case of Traumatic Cervical Epidural Hematoma in an Infant

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is exceedingly rare, especially in children. Acute cervical epidural hematoma presents suddenly, with progressive neurologic deficits. However, it is difficult to diagnose in infants, which results in delayed diagnosis. We report a case of rapid diagnosis of traumatic cervical epidural hematoma in an infant with successful hematoma evacuation. An 11-month-old patient was brought to the emergency department after falling backward from a o30cm-high bed. The child, who previously was able to stand without support, could not stand alone and frequently fell prone when he sat down. The brain magnetic resonance imagingshowed no abnormalities. On the spinal MRI, an acute epidural hematoma located at the C3-T1 level and pressed against the spinal cord was confirmed. Three months after surgical evacuation, the Korean version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development -III (K-Bayley-III) assessment was performed, and a developmental quotient (DQ) of 95 or higher was demonstrated for all parameters, including motor functions. This report described an exceedingly rare case of acute cervical epidural hematoma in an infant, induced by trauma. The diagnosis and treatment were performed within one day of injury. This process was significantly faster than other reported infantile cases of cervical epidural hematoma, which were diagnosed within 4 days to 2 months.