Agenesis septi pellucidi in a schizophrenic patient

Absence of the septum pellucidum is a rare developmental disorder of the hu man brain. Previous reports focused on the association with other cerebral anomalies. We present MRI scans showing an isolated absence of the septum p ellucidum. The patient was suffering from a schizophrenic psychosis. Mental retardation or epileptic seizures, which are often found in more complex d evelopmental brain disorders,were not observed. The septal area is part of the limbic system and aplasia of the septum pellucidum could indicate devel opmental anomalies of the limbic system. The concept of cerebral maldevelop ment and the limbic system in schizophrenic psychosis is discussed.