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A Rare Cause of Scalp Swelling in Infants: Two Case Reports
Isabel M Ribeiro1, Dora Sousa1, Ruben Rocha2
1Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, PRT.
Insights
Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC) is a rare infant scalp swelling condition, often linked to assisted delivery. This benign condition typically resolves with conservative management, emphasizing the need for provider awareness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC) is an uncommon cause of infant scalp swelling.
- Its etiology is often unclear but associated with instrumental or traumatic deliveries.
Observation:
- Two infant cases of DSFC presented with progressive, fluctuant scalp swelling.
- Neither infant had a history of trauma.
- Both infants had a history of vacuum-assisted delivery.
Findings:
- Conservative management was successful in both cases.
- Complete resolution of fluid collections occurred within four weeks.
- DSFC is a benign and self-limiting condition.
Implications:
- Early recognition of DSFC is crucial to avoid unnecessary investigations or interventions.
- This report contributes to the limited literature on DSFC.
- Highlights the importance of pediatric healthcare provider awareness for this condition.
Abstract:
Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC) is an uncommon condition that causes scalp swelling in infants, usually appearing within the first weeks to months of life. Although the precise etiology is unclear, DSFC is frequently associated with instrumental or traumatic deliveries. We report two cases of DSFC: a 12-week-old boy and a six-week-old girl, both presenting with progressive, fluctuant scalp swelling without any history of trauma. Notably, both infants had a history of vacuum-assisted delivery. Conservative management was adopted in both cases, with complete resolution of the fluid collections within four weeks. DSFC is a benign and self-limiting condition, and early recognition is essential to prevent unnecessary investigations or interventions. This report adds to the limited literature on DSFC and highlights the importance of awareness among pediatric healthcare providers.
