Conservative treatment of cysts of the cavum septum pellucidum presenting in childhood: report of 3 cases

Cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) cysts are relatively rare. The most common presenting symptom is headache, which is thought to be secondary to elevated intracranial pressure. Many CSP cysts are treated surgically; conservative treatment is seldom recommended. The authors describe 3 cases of pediatric CSP cysts that were managed without surgery. The patients ranged in age from 5 months to 8 years old. Two presented with headaches, which were associated with mild ventricular enlargement in 1 case. Over the course of 5-15 months, 2 cysts became markedly reduced in size, and in one of these 2 cases a substantial reduction in ventricle size was also observed. At last follow-up, all 3 children were asymptomatic. The authors note that CSP cysts are often associated with headaches. In the absence of hydrocephalus, they recommend conservative management with clinical and radiological follow-up.