Giant cephalhematoma in a 15-year-old boy. Unilateral amaurosis as the main complication.

BACKGROUND

The term "cephalhematoma" is applied to a collection of blood under the periosteum of a skull bone. It most frequently occurs in the neonatal period and is rare at other times of life.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report on a 15-year-old boy with a subperiosteal hematoma involving the whole cranial surface. Surgical drainage was performed. In the immediate postoperative course, the patient developed a progressive decrease in the right eye visual acuity. An orbital computed tomographic scan revealed the retro-orbital subperiosteal extension of the hematoma. A second surgical procedure was necessary to obtain visual recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of cephalhematoma in adults is exceptional. However, it may lead to serious complications. Surgical treatment should be aimed to avoid retro-orbital extension of the hematoma.