Epidural hygroma of the posterior fossa. Case report

Delayed posttraumatic unilateral occipital epidural hygroma in early childhood

An extremely rare case of posttraumatic epidural hygroma in the left occipital supratentorial and infratentorial region is reported. A year and five months old child was admitted to the Clinic of Neurosurgery with sustained occipital head injury. She presented with drowsiness and vomiting due to intracranial hypertension. Initial computed tomography scan revealed left-sided fracture of the squamous part of the occipital bone without associated traumatic changes to the brain. A second spiral computed tomography scan was obtained two days later because of persisting symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. It demonstrated a newly formed left-sided epidural hygroma adjacent to the skull fracture in the left supratentorial and infratentorial occipital region. The case is discussed with emphasis on the mechanism of formation of epidural hygroma and an attempt has been made to outline the major predisposing factors leading to the development of this traumatic disease. Necessity for computed tomography follow-up is pointed out in order to diagnose delayed posttraumatic hygromas. The recommended surgical approach should include craniotomy centered at the site of the epidural hygroma and obligatory dural elevation by means of traction sutures to eliminate the posttraumatic epidural cavity.

Diagnostic and therapeutic problems with an unusual congenital cystic hygroma of the orbit

A case of an extensive congenital cystic hygroma in an unusual situation in the orbit is presented. The lesion occurred as an ulcerative, rapidly--growing and repeatedly--bleeding tumour with destruction of the left orbit, parts of the middle face, the nose and the base of skull. Despite X-ray investigation, computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and angiography it was impossible to give a reliable diagnosis. Because of the rapid growth of the tumour and its uncertain nature a radical resection with exenteration of the orbit, resection of the zygoma, the soft tissues of the cheek and parts of the nose and skull base was performed. One year after the resection there was no sign of recurrence.

Posttraumatic epidural hygroma with associated subdural spinal fluid collection. Case report

We report a head-injured patient in whom CT scan revealed an extracerebral hypodense fluid collection separated into two compartments by a membrane, which was probably the torn dura mater. We briefly discuss the probable pathogenetic mechanism.

Fluid chronic epidural haematoma: a rare complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt

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