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The septum pellucidum and its variants. An MRI study
Christine M Born1, Eva M Meisenzahl, Thomas Frodl
1Institute for Clinical Radiology, University Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336 Munich, Germany.
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|September 15, 2004
Summary
Cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) and cavum vergae (CV) are common in healthy individuals across all age groups. This study found no significant age-related differences in the prevalence of these septum pellucidum variants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroanatomy
- Radiology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous studies suggest a higher prevalence of cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) in schizophrenic patients compared to healthy controls.
- The septum pellucidum is a thin membrane separating the lateral ventricles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) and cavum vergae (CV) variants in healthy subjects.
- To analyze the prevalence of these variants across three distinct age groups: children, young adults, and elderly adults.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution MRI scans were performed on 151 healthy subjects.
- Subjects were categorized into three age groups: pediatric (6 ± 4 years), young adult (31 ± 8 years), and elderly (59 ± 7 years).
- Three observers analyzed the MRI images using a standardized protocol to assess the incidence and length of CSP and CV.
Main Results:
- Cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) was detected in 80% of children, 68% of young adults, and 72% of elderly adults.
- Cavum vergae (CV) was observed in 22% of children, 39% of young adults, and 36% of elderly subjects.
- No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of CSP or CV were found between the age groups.
Conclusions:
- Cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) demonstrates a high prevalence in healthy individuals, with no significant age-dependent variation.
- Cavum vergae (CV) is also prevalent in healthy subjects across different age ranges.
- Enlarged cavum septi pellucidi are uncommon findings in the healthy population.
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