Cavum vergae cyst

Last revised by Yaïr Glick on 18 May 2021

Cavum vergae cysts are rare lesions which are usually asymptomatic. It should not be confused with cavum septum pellucidum et vergae which is common. Although there is no actual pathological distinction between a run-of-the-mill cavum vergae and a cavum vergae cyst, the latter is sometimes used to denote a transverse diameter of more than 1 cm 4 or when the outer margins are convex.

Cavum vergae cysts are rare congenital lesions, gradually enlarging with time. As they are often asymptomatic the diagnosis may not be made until adulthood. 

Usually asymptomatic. Occasionally the cyst is large enough to compress the midbrain tectum and aqueduct and result in obstructive hydrocephalus. Sometimes the cyst may be large enough to impair the normal drainage of the occipital and temporal horns of the lateral ventricles. In either case, presentation is with signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure (morning headaches, worse on stooping etc..)

Ultrasound (in the neonatal or antenatal period), CT and MRI are all able to demonstrate cavum vergae cysts. Features consist of a cystic lesion located in the midline, posterior to the foramen of Monro, below the posterior body and splenium of the corpus callosum and above the fornices (which it often splays). 

In most cases, patients are entirely asymptomatic and as such, no treatment is required. If hydrocephalus is present, surgical options include: 

  1. CSF shunting (leaving the cyst alone) e.g. VP or VA shunt
  2. open or endoscopic cysto-ventriculostomy
  3. stereotactically introduced catheter drainage of the cyst into the ventricles 1

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