Intracerebral hemorrhage in an infant with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: approach to the surgical management.

We describe a 21-month-old female infant with severe idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), who presented in coma with signs of cerebral herniation. CT scan revealed a right temporo-parietal intracerebral hemorrhage. The patient underwent immediate craniotomy and the hematoma was drained. Marked improvement in her neurological status, as well as postoperative resolution of the intracranial hemorrhage, were noted. Three months after the operation she recovered from the ITP. We emphasize the option of performing craniotomy without splenectomy in ITP infant patients.