Uncommon presentations of a neurosurgical site infection: impaired wound healing with hypergranulation and crust formation

Abstract

Hypergranulation and crust formation after cranial neurosurgery is rare. We report three patients with an uncommon form of hypergranulation with extensive crust formation after cranial neurosurgery, associated with a St. Aureus infection of the scalp, and propose that this is a form of pyogenic dermatitis, as is commonly seen among domestic animals with a coat of fur. It can be treated conservatively. We propose a treatment algorithm.

Keywords: Neurosurgery; Neurosurgical procedures; Pyogenic dermatitis; Surgical site infection; Wound healing.