Caval Variations of the Septum Pellucidum in a North‑Central Nigerian Population: A Retrospective Computed Tomographic Study

Background: The septum pellucidum (SP) and its cystic variations are occasionally seen as midline structures during computed tomography (CT) brain investigation of individuals. There is no documented evidence of the pattern and frequency of caval variations of the SP in our environment. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of caval variations of the SP in a North‑Central Nigerian population using CT scan. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the presence of the caval variations on CT brain scans acquired between January 2011 and January 2013 in a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 16. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of caval variations of the SP in all CTsan of the brainwas 3.5% (n = 49). The male‑to‑female ratio was 2.3:1 (34:15). The indication for CT brain scan with the highest frequency of caval variations was head injury (21; 42.8%). Higher distribution of caval variation (15; 30.6%) was seen among patients in the 20–39 age group. Forty‑six (93.3%) individuals had only cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and 3 (6.1%) had coexistence of CSP and cavum vergae (CV). CV alone or a cavum veli interpositum were not encountered. The variations observed were each seen more in the male patients: CSP (31; 67.4%) and CSP + CV (3; 100%); P = 0.821. While CSP alone was most distributed among the third and fourth decades age group (14; 30.4%), CSP + CV was found more among the fifth and sixth decades age group (2; 66.7%); P = 0.190. Conclusion: Caval variations of the SP are seen in North Central Nigeria with a prevalence of 3.5%. The distribution of the variations was observed more among males and varied insignificantly with different age groups.