Spontaneously infected cephalohematoma: case report and review of the literature.

Spontaneously infected cephalohematomas are rare occurrences; only five cases have been reported previously. Uninfected cephalohematomas are common and usually resolve without treatment. However, physicians should be aware that cephalohematomas are potential sites for infection and may require aspiration for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated infected cephalohematomas may lead to osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, or subdural empyema. We present a case of a spontaneously infected cephalohematoma with an associated osteomyelitis which was successfully managed with drainage and long-term antibiotics. A review of the literature is also presented.