Subgaleal hematoma differential diagnosis
Subgaleal hematoma may cross cranial sutures. Inexperienced clinicians may suspect CSF collection under the scalp which does not occur. Usually presents as a soft, fluctuant mass. These do not calcify.
Subperiosteal hematoma
Subperiosteal hematoma (some refer to this as cephalhematoma): most commonly seen in the newborn (associated with parturition, may also be associated with neonatal scalp monitor) 1) 2) Bleeding elevates periosteum, extent is limited by sutures. Firmer and less ballotable than subgaleal hematoma 3); scalp moves freely over the mass. 80% reabsorb, usually within 2–3 weeks. Occasionally may calcify
Scalp hematoma
Subgaleal abscess
Subgaleal lipoma
On certain MRI sequences also consider
1)
Listinsky JL, Wood BP, Ekholm SE. Parietal
Osteomyelitis and Epidural Abscess: A Delayed
Complication of Fetal Monitoring. Pediatr Radiol.
1986; 16:150–151
2)
Kaufman HH, Hochberg J, Anderson RP, et al.
Treatment of Calcified Cephalhematoma.
Neurosurgery. 1993; 32:1037–1040
3)
Matson DD. Neurosurgery of Infancy and
Childhood. 2nd ed. Springfield: Charles C Thomas;
1969