Development of a Cavum Septi Pellucidi after Ommaya Reservoir Placement: A Cause of Shunt Malfunction
Abstract
We present a complication of Ommaya reservoir placement that has not been previously reported. The development and resolution of a cavum septi pellucidi after placement of an Ommaya reservoir for intrathecal chemotherapy is described. A 32-year-old male patient with stage IV Burkitt's lymphoma presented to our institution with a persistent frontal headache and was diagnosed with recurrent central nervous system disease. A right frontal Ommaya reservoir was placed using imaging assisted stereotaxy without complication and a post-operative CT scan of the brain documented that the catheter was in the ventricular system with its tip resting against the septum pellucidum and that there was no cavum septi pellucidi. The patient experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure after the first administration of intrathecal chemotherapy via the Ommaya reservoir. Repeat imaging demonstrated a cavum septi pellucidi with the tip of the catheter clearly within the cyst. After catheter replacement there were no further seizures and the cavum septi pellucidi resolved. This case illustrates that the septum pellucidum is made of two layers and that a potential space exists between these layers. Caution is recommended when injecting a single-hole ventricular catheter if the tip is against the septum pellucidum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA438460
Entities
People
- Nafi Aygun
- Paul M. Sherman
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins Hospital