Subgaleal Hematoma with Bilateral Proptosis as a Manifestation of Fibrinogen and Factor X Deficiency - A Case Report

Abstract

Subgaleal hematomas are usually seen after high-velocity head trauma; however, their presence following trivial injury should raise suspicion regarding an associated clotting disorder. Here we describe an interesting patient who presented to us with bilateral proptosis associated with a subgaleal hematoma due to fibrinogen and factor X deficiency. This condition can result in serious bleeding diathesis often necessitating multiple surgeries to control haemorrhage.
 Our patient, an 11-year-old male child presented to us 4 weeks after a minor head injury. He had a gradually progressive soft swelling on his forehead with proptosis of both eyes. Aspiration of the swelling at a nearby private hospital had revealed blood. The swelling recurred over a span of 2 weeks.
 On neurological examination, there were no positive findings. On local examination, he had a large, non-tender subgaleal hematoma over the bilateral fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital region of his head extending to both eyes. There was associated bilateral subconjunctival haemorrhage, periorbital ecchymosis and gross proptosis. The vision was affected on the right side, finger counting at 1 foot. Left side vision was intact. Extraocular movements were restricted in both eyes in all planes. CT scan of the brain showed subgaleal hematoma over the bilateral fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital region with an extension over the supraorbital ridge into the bilateral orbit beneath the orbital roof, there were bilateral relatively symmetrical areas of subperiosteal haemorrhages involving superior aspect of orbit causing proptosis and inferior displacement of the globes. On haematological examination, his haemoglobin was 5 gm/dl. Platelet count was 240,000/cumm. On coagulation profile, prothrombin time was 45 seconds (normal range 11.1–14.5 seconds) with an activated partial thromboplastin time of 39.5 seconds (normal range 28.1–39.7 seconds), and thrombin time was 58 seconds. The plasma fibrinogen levels were < 100 mg/dl (normal range- 200-400 mg/dl). D-dimer was strongly positive. The patient also had factor X deficiency. The peripheral blood smear had a normocytic normochromic picture.