Post-traumatic pseudolipoma of the forehead

Abstract

A forehead lipoma is a rare finding in a child, and one that penetrates the underlying layers of muscle and bone to attach to dura has not previously been reported. Two such cases, both in children who underwent uneventful deliveries aided by forceps, are presented. Both lesions were present at birth and, based on clinical findings, were originally thought to be dermoid cysts. Dermoid cysts could not be ruled out with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Histopathology identified fibrofatty tissue consistent with lipoma. Both lesions extended from the subcutaneous tissue through the frontalis muscle and frontal bone to the dura. Given these findings and the history of forceps delivery, the most likely diagnosis is posttraumatic pseudolipoma. This lesion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of congenital lesions of the forehead, particularly if there is a history of forceps delivery or other trauma to the area.