An Analysis of Outcome of Endoscopic Fenestration of Cavum Septum Pellucidum Cyst - More Grey than Black and White?

BACKGROUND: Cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and cavum vergae are actually fluid-filled, generally communicating midline cavities located between the third ventricle and corpus callosum. There have been various reports of their association with many behavioral and psychiatric disorders. Infrequently, they have been associated with an obstructive hydrocephalus-like picture. Although the structure and management of CSP has long been known, it has been an enigma as far as functional significance and management indications are concerned. The authors of this article try to analyze the significance of a persistent cavum and involvement of the same entity in varied presentations ranging from an incidental imaging finding to acute hydrocephalus, and propose a possible implication on the present surgical intervention paradigm.

PURPOSE: To assess the surgical outcome of fenestration of a CSP cyst.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 3 patients who underwent endoscopic fenestration for CSP with obstructive hydrocephalus between 2012 and 2014 was done, and data were analyzed for symptomatic clinical improvement in particular behavior.

RESULTS: Pre- and postoperative brain MRI showed a significant decrease in the size of the cyst as well as the ventricles. There were no recurrences during follow-up. All of the patients improved.

CONCLUSIONS: (1) Endoscopic fenestration of symptomatic CSP cysts is a safe treatment option. (2) Neurocognitive assessment is essential in the evaluation and outcome assessment of CSP.