Magnetic resonance imaging study of the cavum septi pellucidi in patients with schizophrenia

Am J Psychiatry. 2001 Oct;158(10):1717-9. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.158.10.1717.

Abstract

Objective: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate the prevalence of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) in 79 normal subjects and 86 patients with schizophrenia.

Method: The CSP was assessed by counting the number of consecutive coronal 1-mm slices containing the CSP. A CSP equal to or greater than 6 mm in length was defined as large.

Results: The CSP was found in 74.4% of the patients and 74.7% of the normal subjects, a nonsignificant difference. No difference between groups was found in the prevalence of a large CSP.

Conclusions: The findings support the idea that a small CSP is a normal anatomical variant. More cases of a large CSP are needed to elucidate the implications of this abnormality in schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / pathology
  • Septum Pellucidum / abnormalities
  • Septum Pellucidum / anatomy & histology*
  • Septum Pellucidum / pathology
  • Sex Factors