Caput succedaneum is characterized by edema that what?

Caput succedaneum is characterized by edema that what?

• A. Crosses suture lines
• B. Does not cross suture lines
• C. Involves periosteum
• D. Occurs after birth

Answer: (A)

Caput succedaneum is diffuse swelling of the scalp due to pressure during delivery, and the edema lies superficial to the skull. Because it’s not confined by the skull or peritoneum, it extends across the suture lines, so it can involve the entire scalp. It’s typically present at birth and resolves on its own within a few days. This contrasts with cephalohematoma, which is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum and does not cross suture lines, often taking longer to resolve. So the best description is edema that crosses suture lines.

Caput succedaneum is diffuse swelling of the scalp due to pressure during delivery, and the edema lies superficial to the skull. Because it’s not confined by the skull or peritoneum, it extends across the suture lines, so it can involve the entire scalp. It’s typically present at birth and resolves on its own within a few days. This contrasts with cephalohematoma, which is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum and does not cross suture lines, often taking longer to resolve. So the best description is edema that crosses suture lines.