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Absent cavum septum pellucidum: a review with emphasis on associated commissural abnormalities

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Abstract

The cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) is an important fetal midline forebrain landmark, and its absence often signifies additional underlying malformations. Frequently detected by prenatal sonography, absence of the CSP requires further imaging with pre- or postnatal MRI to characterize the accompanying abnormalities. This article reviews the developmental anatomy of the CSP and the pivotal role of commissurization in normal development. An understanding of the patterns of commissural abnormalities associated with absence of the CSP can lead to improved characterization of the underlying spectrum of pathology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA

    Dinesh K. Sundarakumar, Sarah A. Farley & Jason N. Nixon

  2. Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Crysela M. Smith

  3. Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Kenneth R. Maravilla & Manjiri K. Dighe

Authors
  1. Dinesh K. Sundarakumar
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  2. Sarah A. Farley
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  3. Crysela M. Smith
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  4. Kenneth R. Maravilla
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  5. Manjiri K. Dighe
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  6. Jason N. Nixon
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Correspondence to Dinesh K. Sundarakumar.

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Sundarakumar, D.K., Farley, S.A., Smith, C.M. et al. Absent cavum septum pellucidum: a review with emphasis on associated commissural abnormalities. Pediatr Radiol 45, 950–964 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-015-3318-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-015-3318-8

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