Symptomatic Cysts of the Cavum Septi Pellucidi and Cavum Vergae: The Role of Endoscopic Neurosurgery in the Treatment of Four Consecutive Cases

M. Fratzoglou; P. Grunert; A. Leite dos Santos; P. Hwang; G. Fries

doi:10.1055/s-2003-42351

min - Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Table of Contents

Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2003; 46(4): 243-249
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42351

Case Report

Symptomatic Cysts of the Cavum Septi Pellucidi and Cavum Vergae: The Role of Endoscopic Neurosurgery in the Treatment of Four Consecutive Cases

M. Fratzoglou¹ , P. Grunert² , A. Leite dos Santos² , P. Hwang² , G. Fries²

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Patras, Greece
²Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Mainz, Germany

Abstract

Cavum septi pellucidi and cavum vergae are generally asymptomatic fluid collections between the leaves of the septum pellucidum and are present in approximately 15 % of adult brains. These cavities rarely enlarge and become symptomatic causing significant neurological dysfunction as a result of obstruction of the interventricular foramina, distortion of the vascular structures of the deep venous system or compression of the hypothalamoseptal triangle. The authors present a series of four patients with symptoms related directly to pressure effects from the cyst wall to the neighbouring deep brain structures. There were two females and two males with a mean age of 47.5 years. All four patients underwent endoscopic cyst fenestration with a rigid endoscope. In 2 patients frameless neuronavigation was accomplished with the optical tracking system (Radionics, Burlington, USA). All symptoms related to pressure effect resolved after surgery. Endoscopic pellucidotomy of symptomatic cysts of the septum pellucidum produces immediate relief of the mass effect of the cyst and resolution of associated symptoms. Additionally, frameless neuronavigation is a useful tool in planning and realizing the approach and improving intraoperative orientation.

Key words

Endoscopic neurosurgery - neuronavigation - septum pellucidum cyst - cavum septi pellucidi - cavum vergae - cerebral cysts

Full Text

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M. Fratzoglou, M. D.

Department of Neurosurgery · Medical School, University of Patras

26500 Patras

Greece

Phone: +30-610-999752

Phone: +30-102-022208

Fax: +30-610-991574

Email: akisfratzoglou@hotmail.com