Caput succedaneum is a benign condition involving the scalp of a neonate that appears shortly after delivery.
Patient selection: neonate
Key features of caput succedaneum:
(1) edema of the scalp (typically nonhemorrhagic) that is soft and boggy to palpation
(2) crosses suture lines and the midline
(3) usually transilluminates
(4) typically resolves within 48 hours
Other findings may include:
(1) facial petechiae
(2) presence of the halo scalp ring sign as a sequelae
Risk factors:
(1) vacuum-assisted delivery
(2) vertex delivery
(3) other forms of birth trauma, including use of forceps
(4) oligohydramnios
(5) Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor)
(6) protracted labor
(7) macrosomia
(8) premature rupture of the membranes
Differential diagnosis:
(1) cephalohematoma
(2) subgaleal hematoma
(3) cephalocele
