|
A 35 year-old woman underwent an MRI scan as part of a headache evaluation. Her neurological examination was normal. |
| Cavum Septum Pellucidum: T1-weighted axial
MRIs. Note the two leaves of the septum pellucidum and the extra
CSF space between them. This is a Cavum Septum Pellucidum. The Cavum Septum Pellucidum is a normal anatomic variant. If the
cavity extends posteriorly, it is known as a Cavum Vergae. It has no
clinical significance. It is sometimes termed the "5th ventricle," a
misnomer, since it does not contain cerebrospinal fluid and is not
lined by ependyma.
In utero, three potential midline cavities may occur along ventricles. From anterior to posterior, these are the Cavum Septum Pellucidum, Cavum Vergae and Cavum Veli Interpositi, respectively. Most often, these cavities disappear between the seventh month in utero and the second year of life, but in some cases may persist. |
Revised
11/30/06
Copyrighted 2006. David C Preston