TUMORS OF THE SEPTUM PELLUCIDUM AND ADJACENT STRUCTURES WITH ABNORMAL AFFECTIVE BEHAVIOR

Abstract

The hypothesis correlating neoplasia affecting the septum pellucidum and the adjacent structures with abnormal affective behavior has been strengthened by further clinical observations. In addition, the modern concepts of the mechanism of emotion both from an anatomical and a physiological point of view seem to support this hypothesis. In our own study we attempted to explore the problem of the degree to which a neoplasm will produce behavioral changes similar to those which follow electrolytic lesions. Although the technique was only partially successful, it was found that tumor and experimental lesions produced strikingly similar behavioral results. In addition, the notion that mechanisms associated with expansion of the tumor are sufficient to interfere with normal functioning of the structures involved was given support. It appears reasonable to conclude that a clinical syndrome of hyper emotionality may be associated with tumors of the anterior midline structures, more specifically of the septum pellucidum and fornix.