A Rare Cause of Scalp Swelling in Infants: Two Case Reports

Delayed subaponeurotic fluid collection (DSFC) is an uncommon condition that causes scalp swelling in infants, usually appearing within the first weeks to months of life. Although the precise etiology is unclear, DSFC is frequently associated with instrumental or traumatic deliveries. We report two cases of DSFC: a 12-week-old boy and a six-week-old girl, both presenting with progressive, fluctuant scalp swelling without any history of trauma. Notably, both infants had a history of vacuum-assisted delivery. Conservative management was adopted in both cases, with complete resolution of the fluid collections within four weeks. DSFC is a benign and self-limiting condition, and early recognition is essential to prevent unnecessary investigations or interventions. This report adds to the limited literature on DSFC and highlights the importance of awareness among pediatric healthcare providers.