Cavum Septum Pellucidum, da embriologia à clínica: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

Introduction: The septum pellucidum (SP) is formed by separated neural laminae, that subsequently merge. When there is no complete fusion of the laminae, there is persistence of the embryological Cavum, that can be named Cavum Septum pellucidum (CSP), Cavum Vergae or Cavum Septum pellucidum et Vergae (CSP et Vergae) according to its anterior-posterior length. Embryologically, CSP is related to the development of the corpus callosum and other cerebral structures. The SP belongs to the limbic system, and thus, it is possible that Cava persistence may lead to neuropsychiatry dysfunction. Objective: To review the literature about development and clinical significance of CSP. Methods: A review of literature of articles published on the database PUBMED. The following descriptors were used: “Cavum”, “Brain Cava” and “Cavum Septum Pellucidum”. The select articles had much information about development and clinical significance of CSP. Results and Discussion: Vestigial CSP are considered normal variants. However, several studies suggest that their persistence in adults may represent a form of midline cerebral dysgenesis. Studies attempted to link CSP to multiple neuropsychiatric disturbances, especially schizophrenia. There is relative agreement about the idea that large CSP are more likely to have pathological meanings, but their symptoms are not well recognized. Conclusion: There is evidence that persistent CSP, if large, may exhibit neuropsychic disorder, of unknown magnitude. Studies in the general population are scarce and with variable prevalence. Further comprehensive studies are necessary to better understand their clinical meaning.