Asymptomatic Chronic Epidural Hematoma in a Child As a Result of Extracranial Decompression

Abstract

BackgroundEpidural hematoma (EDH) in children is a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. Asymptomatic chronic epidural hematoma is a very rare entity. Reports of spontaneous decompression into the subgaleal spaces are limited with acute epidural hematomas in the literature. ObjectiveWe report a child presenting with chronic epidural hematoma at 15 days after a head trauma. She remained asymptomatic, owing to spontaneous decompression via a skull fracture. We intend to remind emergency physicians to be alert about epidural hematomas in asymptomatic children in the presence of a history of, even minor and distant, trauma. Case PresentationAn 8-year-old girl presented to the Emergency Department with a swelling in the right parietal region. She had fallen at the playground and struck her head on the ground 15 days prior. Computed tomography showed a mixed-density subacute-chronic parietal epidural hematoma with a linear fracture overlying it. There was no evidence of midline shift or ipsilateral ventricular compression. ConclusionAn initially minimal but expanding EDH in a child can remain asymptomatic even in the later phases, owing to the spontaneous decompression through a skull fracture.