Subdural collection of intravenous fat emulsion in a neonate. Complication of central venous catheterization for total parenteral nutrition.

An infected subdural collection of intravenous fat emulsion (Intralipid) was diagnosed in a 5-week-old premature infant who was receiving total parental nutrition (TPN) through a facial vein cutdown. This fluid was successfully drained and the infection, due to Staphylococcus epidermidis, was treated with vancomycin. We postulate that the subdural collection occurred as a result of septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein with subsequent retrograde flow and infiltration of Intralipid from the bridging veins into the subdural space. This complication of central TPN has not been reported previously.