Spontaneous resolution of a cyst of the septum pellucidum

Septum pellucidum cysts are rare clinical findings. Although their optimal treatment remains controversial, large cysts causing hydrocephalus or neural compression should be treated surgically. However, spontaneous resolution can also occur. Herein, the authors present a case of a 38-year-old woman...

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Published inThe American journal of the medical sciences Vol. 342; no. 4; p. 333
Main Authors Hong, Yuan, Chen, Sheng, Guo, Song-Xue, Zhang, Jian-Min
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.10.2011
Subjects
Adult
Central Nervous System Cysts - pathology
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Remission, Spontaneous
Septum Pellucidum - pathology
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Summary:Septum pellucidum cysts are rare clinical findings. Although their optimal treatment remains controversial, large cysts causing hydrocephalus or neural compression should be treated surgically. However, spontaneous resolution can also occur. Herein, the authors present a case of a 38-year-old woman suffering from intermittent headache associated with an expanding cyst of the septum pellucidum. No surgical intervention was performed as hydrocephalus was not observed. After 16 months follow-up, both her symptom and the cyst (assessed by magnetic resonance imaging) had disappeared. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is only the third reported case of spontaneous resolution of a septum pellucidum cyst. This case suggests that a symptomatic septum pellucidum cyst is not an absolute indication for surgical treatment. A conservative approach with close follow-up with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is strongly recommended unless the cyst causes obvious hydrocephalus or progressive neurological deterioration.
ISSN:1538-2990
DOI:10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181fdabe2