Chronic Encapsulated Intracerebral Haematoma in a Two-Month-Old Infant Following Forceps-Assisted Delivery: A Case Report

Abstract

Chronic encapsulated intracerebral haematoma is a rare form of intracerebral haematoma that grows progressively. It is usually laden with diagnostic challenges, and only a few cases have been diagnosed preoperatively. This report is about an eight-week-old male infant who presented with a history of fever, excessive crying, multiple seizure episodes and loss of consciousness. He was delivered with forceps assistance. Transfontanelle ultrasonography showed an oval encapsulated hyperechoic mass in the left frontal lobe, associated compression of the adjacent limb of the anterior ventricle, and mild intraventricular hyperechoic collection. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a well-defined encapsulated mass in the left frontal lobe extending and compressing on the adjacent lateral ventricles with a significant midline shift to the contralateral side. Thus, a diagnosis of encapsulated intracerebral haematoma was made. The infant had a craniotomy, and the lesion was excised en bloc. The histological analysis was consistent with blood clots. This case report highlights one of the possible complications of forceps-assisted delivery. A comprehensive history and thorough clinical examination with a multidisciplinary approach should be constituted for prompt and appropriate treatment.