Calcified Cephalohematoma

Surgical Treatment of Ossified Cephalhematoma in Young Child

Cephalhematoma is a subperiosteal collection of blood. The lesion generally spontaneously resolves, but if cephalhematoma persists beyond this period, it typically begins to ossify and may require surgical treatment for correction. The incidence of ossified cephalhematoma is rare, and its pathogenesis is unclear. There have been reports of surgical treatment of ossified cephalhematoma in newborns and infants, but few reports in 5-year-old children. We experienced the surgical treatment of an ossified cephalhematoma in a 5-year-old boy. We performed periosteal reattachment with onlay bone autograft. Follow-up examination at 2 years revealed a good cosmetic result and a computed tomography scan showed excellent reconstitution of the contour of the skull.

Care of the Well Newborn

Care of the newborn infant is a critical skill for general pediatricians and other providers in the practice of pediatric medicine. Optimal care relies on a thorough understanding of risk factors that may be present during the pregnancy and delivery, as well as the ability to recognize and address unanticipated problems in the postnatal period. This article focuses on antenatal care of the newborn, issues that present in the immediate postdelivery period, and care of the newborn after discharge. It also includes updated information on current topics in pediatric practice, such as the importance of vaccination, parental hesitancy in accepting common medical interventions, and updated guidelines related to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. At the conclusion of the article, the reader should have a general understanding of antenatal risk factors that could affect the transition from the intrauterine environment and have the knowledge to address common issues that arise in the care of newborn infants.

Calvarium Subperiosteal Hematoma in a 12-Year-Old Boy

Calvarium subperiosteal hematoma (C-SPOH) is extremely rare in juveniles. We present an extremely rare case of juvenile C-SPOH and a review of the literature. A 12-year-old boy hit his head hard against another player’s head during a soccer game. On the next day of the game (Day 02), he noticed a soft bump on the left parietal region. On Day 04, he saw a local physician and was diagnosed with a subgaleal hematoma. The hematoma grew larger, up to twice the size of that on Day 04 and it became more painful over the next five days. A CT scan on Day 10 showed a subcutaneous hematoma that did not cross the suture lines. Aspiration using a syringe with an 18-gauge needle obtained about 45 mL liquefied hematoma and caused the bump collapse with relief of the pain. On Day 12, however, he presented the same bump with similar pains as on Day 10. CT angiography revealed no vascular anomalies or disruptions. A blood sampling test demonstrated normal blood coagulation ability without thrombocytopenia or malnutrition. A second aspiration obtained 45 mL liquefied hematoma. In the second procedure, the hematoma cavity was irrigated with normal saline solution (about 5 mL x 4). He took 250 mg tranexamic acid three times a day and 5 mg prednisolone three times a day for four days. On Day 15, his C-SPOH was not tense and not painful. On Day 22, the periosteal hematoma remained soft and shrunk. A follow-up CT scan showed the complete disappearance of the subperiosteal hematoma on Day 57. The boy has returned to soccer-playing activity without sequelae. This case suggests that 1) C-SPOH can be found in healthy juveniles; 2) Neovascularization along the wall of the C-SPOH cavity may contribute to the formation of the C-SPOH; 3) A simple aspiration of the liquefied SPOH may fail to cure it in juveniles.

Management of Calcified Cephalohematoma of Infancy: The University of Michigan 25-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Cephalohematoma of infancy is the result of a subperiosteal blood collection that usually forms during birth-related trauma. A small proportion of cephalohematomas can calcify over time, causing a permanent calvarial deformity that is only correctable with surgery. The authors present a technique for the excision and reconstruction of calcified cephalohematoma and their management experience over the past 25 years.

METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of calcified cephalohematoma between 1994 and 2019 were identified. Patients were included if the diagnosis was confirmed by a pediatric plastic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. All patients underwent surgical evaluation followed by surgical intervention or observation. Patient demographics and potential risk factors for both surgical and nonsurgical groups were compared using chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Additional data were collected for the surgical cohort.

RESULTS

Of 160 infants diagnosed with cephalohematoma, 72 met inclusion criteria. Thirty patients underwent surgical treatment. There was no significant difference in demographics, baseline characteristics, or potential risk factors between the operative and nonoperative groups. Mean age at the time of surgery was 8.6 months. Twenty-one surgical patients (70 percent) required inlay bone grafting. All surgery patients had improvement in calvarial shape. The main risk of surgery was blood loss requiring transfusion [eight patients (26.7 percent)]. Thirteen percent of patients experienced minor complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This series of 72 children with calcified cephalohematomas, 30 of whom required surgical intervention, is one of the largest to date. The technique presented herein demonstrated excellent surgical outcomes by restoring normal cranial contours and was associated with a low complication profile.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Ossified Encapsulated Cephalhematoma

ABSTRACT

Ossified cephalhematoma is a rare congenital condition that may be found if newborn cephalhematoma is not resolved. Here, however, the authors report an exceptional case of an 8-month-old baby presenting with an ossified cephalhematoma in the right parieto-occipital area. Pre-operative imaging showed a calcified subperiosteal hematoma. He underwent hematoma excision with bone contouring procedures. A histopathological study showed hemosiderin-laden macrophages with blood and pseudocyst walls. The authors also discuss the possible pathogenesis of the ossified cephalhematoma and its treatment.

Observational Case Analysis of Neonates With Large Cephalohematoma

Introduction

Cephalohematomas in the newborn period are related to the accumulation of blood between the bone and periosteum as a result of a series of adverse conditions during labor. The optimal approach to cephalohematoma cases is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to present the follow-up data of 94 newborns with a cephalohematoma size of >50 mm and a higher risk of ossification. 

Methods 

This is a single-center, non-randomized, prospective, observational study conducted from May 2014 to May 2019. Records of all newborns with cephalohematoma were reviewed in terms of gender, birth weight, cephalohematoma region, transverse/vertical diameter of the lesion, delivery method, and rate of ossification. 

Results

The girl-to-boy ratio was 53/41, with a mean gestational age of 38.3±1.4 weeks and a mean birth weight of 3,300±800 grams. The mean transverse/vertical diameter of cephalohematoma was 59±9 mm. Cephalohematoma was completely resorbed at the first-month control visits in 72 (76.6%) cases, whereas nine (9.57%) had an ossified cephalohematoma. The ossification was completely or partially resorbed in these at the end of the one-year follow-up. 

Conclusion

Hence, we suggest that an early intervention is not required in the routine treatment of cases with hematomas with a size of >50 mm in size unless otherwise stipulated with clinical indications. 

Intradiploic Hematoma Associated With Synostosis in an Infant

Intradiploic hematomas are extremely rare, particularly in newborns. Caused by bleeding between the inner and outer tables of the calvarium, they manifest with bony swelling of the skull. The authors present the first case of an intraosseous hematoma associated with synostosis, and the first report in a female patient. The clinical, radiological, surgical, and pathological characteristics of this lesion are discussed.

Infant ossified cephalohematoma: a review of the surgical management and technical update

Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal collection of blood above the skull. It is associated with operative and prolonged deliveries. In most cases the hematoma spontaneously resolves in a short span of time, usually within one month. In a few cases cephalohematoma can become ossified and require surgical treatment. Traditional belief that ossified cephalohematomas are an exclusively cosmetic issue has been called into question by recent description of EEG anomalies associated to a calcified cephalohematoma. We review relevant surgical literature, and we describe a novel variant of Wong's Radial Cap technique by foregoing healthy bone margin removal, removing the cephalohematoma lamellae in a stepwise fashion and using resorbable plaques for fixation. We furthermore review the rationale, timing and step-by-step execution of the procedure. An exemplary case description is discussed.

Canine calvarial subperiosteal hematomas are fluid to soft tissue attenuating mass-like lesions with smoothly marginated peripheral mineralization on CT

Subperiosteal hematomas are accumulations of blood between a bone and the periosteum leading to elevation of the periosteum. When ossified they have a mineralized outer rim. For this retrospective, multi-institutional case series, medical records were searched to identify dogs that underwent CT for focal calvarial swellings noted acutely after trauma. A total of four dogs were included. Computed tomography images were reviewed for each case. The focal swellings had progressed in size during the weeks after the head trauma until the time of imaging. Findings in all cases included a fluid to soft tissue attenuating mass-like lesion with smoothly marginated peripheral mineralization. Diagnosis was confirmed in two cases by cytology and/or histopathology. Therefore, authors recommend that subperiosteal hematoma be included in the differential diagnosis list for dogs with these clinical and CT characteristics. Based on our review of the literature, this is the first report to describe the CT features of calvarial subperiosteal hematomas in dogs.

Temporal Evolution of Imaging Findings in Ossified Cephalohematoma

BACKGROUND

Cephalohematoma is collection of blood between skull and periosteum that is confined by cranial sutures. Cephalohematomas usually resorb spontaneously within the first month of life; however, if it fails to resolve, ossified cephalohematoma may form.

METHODS

Clinical archiving system and picture archiving and communication system were retrospectively reviewed for cases of birth-related cephalohematoma. Cases of ossified cephalohematomas identified on imaging were retrieved from this subset of patients. Cross-sectional imaging findings in patients with ossified cephalohematomas were evaluated for location, size of the hematoma, and contours of the inner lamella.

RESULTS

Out of 115 cases of cephalohematoma, 7 cases had imaging findings consistent with ossified cephalohematoma. All ossified cephalohematomas were located parietally, with size ranging between 18 and 55 mm and the thickness of the outer rim of calcification ranging between 1.5 and 4.8 mm. The contour of inner lamella in relation to the surrounding normal cranial vault was normal in 5 cases, and inner lamella was depressed in 2 cases.Three patients had follow-up imaging available for demonstration of changes in ossified cephalohematoma. The first case was an 11 day-old boy with a cephalohematoma with no signs of calcification at the time of initial imaging. Follow-up at 2 months of age showed partial regression of hematoma cavity with marked calcification at the hematoma walls. The second case was a 3 month-old boy with ossified cephalohematoma at initial imaging. Follow-up imaging at 7 months of age showed almost total regression of hematoma cavity, and approximation of inner and outer lamella with increased thickness of the cranial vault. The third case was a 1 month-old boy with ossified cephalohematoma at initial imaging that totally resolved without residual increased bone thickness at 21-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

These 3 cases demonstrate the variability in temporal changes that may occur in ossified cephalohematomas.

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma: a rare lytic bone lesion involving intradural extension and subtotal resection in a 14-month-old girl

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytomas (PEMs) are low-grade, intermediate-type borderline melanocytic tumors with limited metastatic potential. To date, PEMs have been treated via gross-total resections. Postoperative recurrence and mortality are rare. This case highlights a unique presentation of a PEM that involved bone destruction and intradural infiltration, which required a subtotal resection. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a PEM extending through the dura and necessitating subtotal resection, which is contrary to the standard of care, gross-total resection. Surveillance imaging 10 months after resection remained negative for clinical and radiological recurrence.

Frontal Hyperostosis in the Patients of Craniosynostosis After Cranial Distraction Osteogenesis

BACKGROUND

Conventional fronto-orbital advancement and distraction osteogenesis (DOG) have been used to treat craniosynostosis, both of which are considered effective. During the authors' practice, a phenomenon of frontal hyperostosis has been observed in the patients of craniosynostosis after DOG, which has yet to be reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is trying to identify the factors related to the phenomenon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 1997 to 2010, all patients of craniosynostosis undergoing DOG were reviewed. The patient's age at operation, consolidation period, numbers of distractor, distance of distraction, and duration from removal of the distractors to identification of the phenomenon on computed tomography were recorded. The phenomenon was considered positive when the hyperostosis appeared on the frontal bone, where it was neither the osteotomy site nor the previous position of distractor.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients were included in this study, including 26 syndromic and 35 nonsyndromic patients. Two syndromic and 6 nonsyndromic patients had the phenomenon. There was no statistical difference between the patients with and without the phenomenon in comparison with the age, number of the distractor, consolidation period, and the distance of distraction.

CONCLUSION

Frontal hyperostosis happened in some patients of craniosynostosis after DOG. Although no significant difference was demonstrated, the incidence of hyperostosis was higher in nonsyndromic patients and the patients of hyperostosis had shorter distance of distraction in both syndromic and nonsyndromic groups. Although the definite cause was unknown, we should pay attention to the phenomenon after distraction.

Calcified cephalohematoma as an unusual cause of EEG anomalies: case report

Cephalohematoma, one of the most common neonatal head injuries, generally undergoes spontaneous resorption. When calcified, it may cause cranial vault distortion and depression of the inner skull layer, although it remains asymptomatic. Surgery, indeed, is usually performed for cosmetic purposes. For these reasons, the long-term effects of calcified cephalohematoma (CC) are widely unknown. The authors report the case of an 11-year-old girl with a persistent calcified CC causing skull deformity and delayed electroencephalography (EEG) anomalies. These anomalies were detected during routine control EEG and were not clinically evident. The young girl underwent surgical removal of the CC for cosmetic purpose. The EEG abnormalities disappeared after surgery, thus reinforcing the hypothesis of a correlation with the brain "compression" resulting from the CC. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first time that CC-associated EEG anomalies have been described: even though these anomalies cannot be considered an indication for surgery, they merit late follow-up in case of skull deformity.

Ossified Cephalhematoma: An Unusual Cause of Calvarial Mass in Infancy

Cephalhematomas occurring in newborn usually resolve within a month. Rarely, they tend to ossify and present as hard scalp swelling. Unless one is aware of this possibility, this condition may be misinterpreted as bony tumor and cause needless apprehension to parents as well as the treating physician. A suspicion that ossified cephalhematoma (OC) could present in such a manner supported by careful history taking and relevant imaging (X-ray/computed tomography) would help in appropriate evaluation of this benign condition. The management of OC is controversial. Occasionally, they undergo spontaneous remodeling. Those with secondary craniosynostosis and/or disfigurement are treated surgically. Simple ossified lesions with no significant cosmetic issues may be conservatively tackled. We report such a case in a 3-month-old child. The other management options are briefly discussed.

Infected cephalohematomas and underlying osteomyelitis: a case-based review

BACKGROUND

Cephalohematomas are relatively common sub-periosteal collections of blood that tend to resolve spontaneously without treatment. Rarely, they become infected and can be associated with underlying osteomyelitis, meningitis, or sepsis. Common pathogens include Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus species.

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE

This report describes the first case of a neonate developing an infected right parietal cephalohematoma and underlying osteomyelitis caused by Morganella morganii, which was cultured in blood and cephalohematoma aspirate. This infant male, whose risk factors included vacuum extraction during delivery and suspected post-natal pneumonia, responded well to a 6-week course of intravenous meropenem with complete resolution of both lesions.

CONCLUSION

When an infected cephalohematoma is suspected, aspiration of hematoma fluid should be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Infectious symptoms should warrant prompt investigation and treatment, which may include drainage, debridement, and antibiotics. This report demonstrates that the combination of an infected cephalohematoma and underlying osteomyelitis might not be as uncommon as previously believed.

Endoscopic-assisted treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis and calcified cephalohematoma

Craniosynostosis and its associated abnormalities can pose unique challenges to surgeons caring for these patients. Cephalohematomas, although rare, add to the complexities of managing a patient with craniosynostosis. Here, we present the case of a 4-month-old male infant with concurrent sagittal craniosynostosis and a calcified cephalohematoma who underwent an endoscopic-assisted strip craniectomy and management of the hematoma with good results.

Ossification of subperiosteal hematoma: the potential of periosteal osteogenesis in cranioplasty

BACKGROUND

Subperiosteal hematoma is the accumulation of blood between the periosteum and the skull, which commonly occurs in the neonatal period but rarely in other ages. Subperiosteal hematoma can be self-absorbed in most cases and occasionally may cause ossification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study reports a case of subperiosteal hematoma formed in a 16-year-old adolescent boy after a minor trauma. Because the hematoma did not disappear for more than a month after the trauma, the patient was treated with multiple hematoma punctures. However, the hematoma recurred and led to ossification. Finally, the patient underwent surgical treatment.

RESULTS

Finally, the ossification associated with the hematoma was treated through surgery. The head contour recovered normally.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of hematoma ossification in the 16-year-old patient suggests that the periosteum has great potential for osteogenesis. This is likely caused by the joint action of some active factors in the blood and a certain tension of the hematoma on the local periosteum. This case provides the following thoughts. (1) A subperiosteal hematoma that has not been absorbed after 1 month should be treated promptly to avoid ossification. Once ossification has occurred, the hematoma should be treated surgically. (2) The potential for periosteal osteogenesis is great, which may provide a new thought for cranioplasty.

Neonatal scalp haematoma and necrosis

Birth trauma after prolonged deliveries and instrument-assisted extractions can result in skin lesions and reduced viability of the scalp. In these instances, scalp swellings and haematomas are often also seen. The classification and inter-relationship between these conditions might not, however, always be clear. This report describes three cases of neonates with scalp swellings and necrosis. Nomenclature, underlying causes, work up, treatment options, and outcomes are presented and discussed. The first case consisted of a newborn with a subgaleal haematoma and occipital pressure necrosis that healed by secondary intention. In the second case, an infected scalp haematoma led to scarring and alopecia that required secondary reconstruction with tissue expansion. The third neonate suffered from a subgaleal haematoma and a scalp lesion that required split skin grafting and secondary reconstruction with tissue expansion.

Early neurosurgical treatment of cephalhaematomas-personal experience and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

A group of 123 children suffering from cephalhaematoma were treated at the Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Brno Faculty Hospital within 5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and nine patients were treated by aspirations and 14 patients underwent neurosurgery; it means that all patients were treated with determined surgical intervention. The surgery was indicated and performed very early, so that the calvaria bone under the ossified cephalhaematoma was intact and there was no need of cranioplasty. The results were excellent, as all patients were treated successfully and no infectious or other complications were observed in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we suggest a more radical therapeutic approach and to perform aspirations if the cephalhaematoma is diagnosed. If calcification develops, early neurosurgery is much easier, allows to achieve better cosmetic result and cranioplasty is not necessary. Early indicated and performed surgery treatment of cephalhaematomas can be considered as simple, safe and effective procedure, therefore a more radical therapeutic approach and early surgical treatment of cephalhaematomas should be recommended.