Subgaleal Hematoma with Delayed Proptosis and Corneal Ulceration, , ,

We report the delayed occurrence in a child of proptosis caused by a subgaleal hematoma. A corneal ulcer resulted from the proptosis, which developed 9 days after mild head trauma. Evaluation revealed a heterozygous factor VII deficiency. The coagulopathy and, more likely, the use of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug ibuprofen may have contributed to the extension of the hematoma into the orbital space. Careful follow-up of patients with subgaleal hematomas is necessary because the development of proptosis may be delayed. [Pomeranz AJ, Ruttum MS, Harris GJ: Subgaleal hematoma with delayed proptosis and corneal ulceration. Ann Emerg Med December 1995;26:752-754.]