Conservative Healing of an 11 × 9-cm Aplasia Cutis Congenita of the Scalp with Bone Defect

• Published in: Journal of neurological surgery reports Vol. 75; no. 2; pp. e220 - e223
• Main Authors: Fröjd, Victoria, Maltese, Giovanni, Kölby, Lars, Tarnow, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Stuttgart · New York Georg Thieme Verlag KG 01.12.2014
• Subjects: aplasia cutis congenita; Biomaterials Science; Biomaterialvetenskap; Case Report; cranial defect; Kirurgi; scalp defect; Surgery; cranial defect; aplasia cutis congenita; scalp defect
• ISSN: 2193-6358; 2193-6366
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1387195

Abstract Objectives  Aplasia cutis congenita is a rare congenital condition, and it is difficult to find scientific support for optimal treatment strategies. In addition, these may vary due to defect size, tissue layers involved, contemporary malformations, and the physiologic status of the affected child. Clinical Presentation  This case report describes complete skin coverage in 20 weeks and uneventful healing of a large 11 × 9-cm defect of the vertex, involving both skin and skull bone, using conservative treatment. To prevent infection and promote healing, the defect was kept moist and covered at all times, and it was treated with surgical debridement when necessary. For infection control, ionized silver-coated dressings were used in addition to prophylactic antibiotics over the first 3.5 weeks. Follow-up was 2 years. Conclusion  Surgical treatment is usually preferred for larger aplasia cutis congenita defects, but it is accompanied with potential risks and will exacerbate secondary reconstruction of alopecia or skull bone defects. This case shows that even very complex defects may be treated conservatively.