During a difficult vacuum-assisted delivery for prolonged second stage, a neonatal exam reveals a sharply demarcated, linear subgaleal swelling limited by suture lines, crossing the midline over the parietal bone. This is MOST consistent with which diagnosis?
- A Subgaleal hemorrhage
- B Cephalohematoma ✓
- C Caput succedaneum
- D Subdural hematoma
Correct answer: B. Cephalohematoma
Explanation
Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage limited by suture lines (does not cross sutures), classically over the parietal bone. Subgaleal hemorrhage crosses suture lines and midline and is the more dangerous vacuum-associated bleed. Caput succedaneum is diffuse edematous swelling crossing suture lines, present at birth. Subdural hematoma is intracranial. The key distinguishing feature is confinement by suture lines.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery / Williams Obstetrics, 28th / 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.