Absence of the septum pellucidum and related disorders

Abstract

We present an illustration of the spectrum of intracranial abnormalities associated with absence of the septum pellucidum to better define and illustrate this disorder. CT and 1.5 Tesla MRI examinations of fifteen patients with absence of the septum pellucidum were meticulously analyzed and correlated with clinical and laboratory studies. The findings were compiled and categorized based upon the presence and type of associated radiologic abnormalities. Absence of the septum pellucidum may occur as an isolated abnormality (n = 3). In most patients (n = 12), associated complex developmental abnormalities are present which include heterotopias, hypoplastic falx, ventricular clefts, encephalocele, small pituitary gland, small optic nerves and chiasm, and corpus callosal dysgenesis. Inferior pointing and a squared-off appearance of the frontal horns are frequently noted. These, or other, more severe ventricular configuration deformities are present in all patients. We have portrayed the complete range of findings associated with absence of the septum pellucidum using an illustrative approach to clarify the different patterns of radiologic abnormalities which may be seen with this complex entity.