Acute epidural hematoma related to cesarean section in a neonate with Chiari II malformation

We present a rare case of acute epidural hematoma in a newborn infant with congenital hydrocephalus that was related to Chiari II malformation. The he matoma was attributed to the application of excessive suction with a vacuum extractor during cesarean section. The clinical characteristics of neonata l epidural hematoma were analyzed after a review of 18 cases in the literat ure, and diagnosis and treatment are discussed with reference to the result s. We propose that careful follow-up is essential in neonates with cephaloh ematoma, and that a computed tomography (CT) study should be performed imme diately if an infant's head circumference is discovered to be enlarging or if the anterior fontanel bulges.