Sharp penetrating trauma to the skull and brain is uncommon in children. The related pediatric literature consists mainly of cases involving penetrating stab wounds to the face or scalp resulting from assaults or accidents. Herein, we present two cases of perioral intracranial penetration. The first case was a 2-year-old boy who presented with septic complications and developed a brain abscess. The second case was a 2-year-old girl who presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and developed a traumatic pericallosal artery aneurysm. After craniotomy and clipping, both patients made a satisfactory recovery. A high index of suspicion, liberal use of neuroimaging and early operative intervention are important points in the successful management of such cases.

Keywords:
Penetrating trauma, Brain abscess, False aneurysm
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© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
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