Spontaneous external rupture of hydrocephalus after fontanelle closure: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

We report a 2-year-old child with congenital hydrocephalus who presented with a frontal meningocoele due to ventriculo-subgaleal fistula secondary to hydrocephalus (internal rupture), which gradually ruptured spontaneously through the skin. This case is unique given its association with occipital encephalocele and is only the second case to present with external rupture beyond the age of 1 year. Further, the ventricles have ruptured through the skull, after the closure of anterior fontanelle, into the subgaleal space. It challenges the present understanding that external rupture occurs only through an open anterior fontanelle.