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

They are rare but dangerous complications in the course of acute psychotic diseases. A differential diagnose between these units, based on clinical symptoms, is impossible. Moreover the literature of the last years reveals, that the Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome and Lethal Catatonia are identical complications in functional psychoses. This is also supported by the evidence of therapeutical consequences. In each case neuroleptics appear generally inadequate, and the interruption of neuroleptic medication is necessary, otherwise they would aggravate the disorder. An efficient supplementary treatment is the ECT.