Spontaneous Resolution of a Cyst of the Septum Pellucidum

Abstract 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-o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of the medical sciences 2011-10, Vol.342 (4), p.333-335
Main Authors: Hong, Yuan, MD, Chen, Sheng, MS, Guo, Song-Xue, MS, Zhang, Jian-Min, MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Central Nervous System Cysts - pathology
Cyst
Female
General aspects
Humans
Internal Medicine
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Medical sciences
Remission, Spontaneous
Septum pellucidum
Septum Pellucidum - pathology
Spontaneous resolution
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Summary:Abstract 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:0002-9629
1538-2990
DOI:10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181fdabe2