A case of refractory subgaleal hematoma in adolescence treated with aspiration and endovascular surgery

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2017 Aug;159(8):1565-1569. doi: 10.1007/s00701-017-3207-z. Epub 2017 May 9.

Abstract

A 14-year-old boy experienced sudden headache in the left parietal region, without any history of head trauma. Approximately 40 ml of hematoma was aspirated using a 22-gauge needle, and scalp swelling immediately disappeared. However, the swelling recurred bilaterally 2 weeks later. Left external carotid angiography revealed a reticular shadow consistent with subgaleal hematoma from a branch of bilateral superficial temporal arteries, without any arteriovenous shunts. The patient was successfully treated using the combination of hematoma aspiration and embolization of the superficial temporal artery. The combination of aspiration of hematoma and embolization may be effective for refractory non-traumatic subgaleal hematoma.

Keywords: Embolization; Subgaleal hematoma; Superficial temporal artery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Skull / diagnostic imaging
  • Temporal Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Vacuum Curettage*