Stereotactic drainage of empyema of the cavum septi pellucidi et vergae.

BACKGROUND

Persistent midline ventricular cavae may only rarely cause clinical symptoms. Exceptionally, empyemas may develop in these cavae. Optimal treatment has been defined only poorly so far.

METHODS

Here, we report successful treatment of a bacterial empyema in the cavum septi pellucidi et vergae due to sphenoid sinus sinusitis in a 36-year-old woman by stereotactic puncture and drainage of the empyema and long-term administration of antibiotics.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic puncture and drainage accompanied by antibiotic therapy result in beneficial outcome in the long term. Transcallosal interhemispheric approaches and free-hand techniques should be discouraged since, according to previously published reports, they may result in severe morbidity or mortality in this condition.