septum pellucidum cyst

    
      Re: septum pellucidum cyst
    


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Posted by CCF MD GS on March 13, 1998 at 17:01:34:

In Reply to: septum pellucidum cyst posted by Kay Ferrell on February 24, 1998 at 01:17:38:

: This is a request for information on a dx of septum pellucidum cyst.  We have a 15yo girl whose initial complaint was double vision, headache, vertigo, and sudden-onset strabismus.  She is a tae kwon do black belt and had taken a head kick 48hrs prior to onset of symptoms.  Because of the delay, we did not associate the two.
     We took her to an ophthalmologist for the double vision and strabismus.  His exam resulted in a same day referral to a FamPrac.  He ordered an MRI. Results the next day showed an apparent growth in the rt temporal lobe.  He did not believe it was a tumor, but referred her to a neurosurgeon.  Later that day(Fri)all symptoms subsided including strabismus.
     Monday the neurosurgeon informed us that the "cyst" extended into both hemispheres of the brain and that surgical removal would be extremely risky.  He preferred a "wait & see" for 4 wks unless symptoms recur.  
  Can you tell me more about this condition? TX and risks?  All appreciated.
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Septum pellucidum cysts although rare can cause significant neurologic dysfunction. They usually cause problems related to obstruction of cerebral spinal fluid. This then results in headaches, vomiting loass of consciousness, papilledema (swelling of the optic nerves). Behavioral changes can also occur. If hydrocephalus develops then shunting (taking fliud away) can often relieve the problem. It is very difficult to quote numbers without looking at the scan. If patients are stable (ie no symptoms) then a watch and see attitude is often take. In our experince most of these are asymptomatic and should be left alone. If your daugther becomes symptomatic then immediate imaging and possible surgical decompression should be evaluated. Do to the nature of the head injury it is hard to say cause and effect and it may be that the cyst itself is asymptomatic. If the cyst grows and starts causing more problems then surgical intervention is warrented. Although technical I refer you to an article in the Journal of Neurosurgery 85(6) 1127-34, 1996. Expanding cyst of the septum pellucidum. Case report. Lancon et al. Good luck If you wish a referral to CCF cal 216 444 5559
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.