MRI features of an infected cephalhaematoma in a neonate.
Bacterial infection of a cephalhaematoma is rare and has been associated with needle aspiration of the haematoma, placement of scalp electrodes and systemic sepsis. Clinical diagnosis of infected cephalhaematoma is difficult without obvious evidence of local infection. The role of imaging in differentiating infected from non-infected cephalhaematoma has not been clearly established. Needle aspiration is considered mandatory for suspected cases. In this report, we present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a 23-day-old neonate with an infected cephalhaematoma. Cephalhaematoma is a subperiosteal accumulation of blood, thus the diagnosis of infected cephalhaematoma was made as the MRI showed an accumulation of blood under thick, contrast-enhancing periosteum in the presented case. Without a diagnostic puncture, the decision for surgical intervention was made before complicating osteomyelitis developed. Early intervention with simple incision and drainage resulted in prompt improvement.
Chen
Ming-Hong
MH
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Yang
Jiao-Chiao
JC
Huang
Jin-Shan
JS
Chen
Mei-Hsiu
MH
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002439:Cefotaxime / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004926:Escherichia coli; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D006257:Head / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006406:Hematoma / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013396:Suction
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002439:Cefotaxime