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.
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.