Iatrogenic encephalocele: a rare complication of vacuum extraction delivery

Childs Nerv Syst. 2011 Dec;27(12):2193-5. doi: 10.1007/s00381-011-1600-0. Epub 2011 Oct 11.

Abstract

Vacuum extraction is a frequently used form of assisted vaginal delivery. Here we describe a child who was born by vacuum extraction delivery. Days after the birth, a frontal swelling, which was thought to be a caput succedaneum, enlarged. Imaging revealed an iatrogenic encephalocele with a large subcutaneous CSF collection. Surgical reconstruction was performed. A parasagittal dura defect was closed. There was no involvement of the superior sagittal sinus. To our knowledge, encephalocele is an infrequent complication of vacuum extraction delivery, rarely described in literature. The child had a good recovery after the operation, without neurologic deficits.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Encephalocele / etiology*
  • Encephalocele / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meningocele / etiology*
  • Meningocele / pathology
  • Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / adverse effects*