Soft unilateral or bilateral fluctuant scalp mass usually located over the mid or posterior parietal regions. Common sequelae of birth trauma, frequently associated with forceps delivery. Is a subperiosteal calvarial hemorrhage and therefore the bleeding is limited by suture lines. Heals via progressive resorption over several months, and is treated via observation. Peripheral calcification of the hematoma is seen by 10-14 days and eventually the entire hematoma is outlined by calcification.
Resolution takes several months and there is often some degree of remnant calvarial thickening.
Caput succedaneum - subcutaneous collection of blood not limited by sutural margins. Subgaleal hematoma - bleeding into the subaponeurotic or subgaleal portions of scalp that also extends beyond suture margins but is much larger than a caput succedaneum. All rights reserved.