Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC): systematic review and case report
Laura Cid Mendes1, Andoni García Martín2, Laura Ruiz Martín2
1Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. lcidm@saludcastillayleon.es.
Summary
Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC) is a benign neonatal condition typically resolving within weeks. Diagnosis is clinical, often linked to instrumental birth, with conservative management being standard.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal pathology
- Pediatric dermatology
- Medical case reports
Background:
- Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC) is a rare, benign neonatal scalp condition.
- Typically presents without trauma or cranial fracture, often linked to instrumental delivery or fetal electrode use.
- Important to consider in the differential diagnosis of neonatal scalp swelling.
Approach:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA criteria.
- Includes a novel clinical case presentation.
- Analyzes 67 reported cases of DSFC.
Key Points:
- DSFC commonly manifests around 15-16 weeks postpartum.
- Clinical diagnosis relies on history (instrumental birth, dystocia, trauma) and compatible symptoms.
- Ultrasonography and CT scans can aid diagnosis in ambiguous cases.
Conclusions:
- DSFC is a self-limiting condition requiring only conservative management.
- All documented cases demonstrate spontaneous and complete resolution.
- Average recovery time for DSFC is approximately 4 weeks.
