# Subgaleal and Epidural Hematomas Secondary to Calvarial Infarcts: An Uncommon Presentation of Sickle Cell Disease

## TL;DR

A 13-year-old with sickle cell disease had a rare complication involving skull infarcts and hematomas causing severe headache.

## Contribution

Highlights an uncommon presentation of sickle cell disease involving calvarial infarcts and hematomas.

## Key findings

- Calvarial infarcts can lead to epidural and subgaleal hematomas in sickle cell disease.
- Hematomas can compress the superior sagittal sinus, causing severe headaches.
- Supportive treatment is effective for managing symptoms in such cases.

## Abstract

We present the case of a 13-year-old male with sickle cell disease (SCD) who presented to the emergency department with a severe headache secondary to calvarial infarcts with associated epidural and subgaleal hematomas. This case was complicated by external compression of the superior sagittal sinus by the hematomas as seen on magnetic resonance imaging. Management included supportive treatment of pain and swelling. This case emphasizes skull infarctions with associated hematomas as a possible differential diagnosis for patients with SCD presenting with headaches and scalp swellings.