Physiologic Calcification of the Pineal Gland in Children on Computed Tomography: Prevalence, Observer Reliability and Association with Choroid Plexus Calcification

Abstract

To evaluate the prevalence of physiologic pineal calcification, estimate observer variability, and examine the association with choroid plexus calcification. A retrospective review of hard copy head computed tomography films of 242 patients age younger than 16 years by two independent observers. Physiologic pineal calcification was present in 20% of the whole group, in 39% of those 8-14 years age, in 8% of those younger than 10 years age, and in 1% of those younger than age 6 years. Observer agreement was very good (kappa = 0.72). Choroid plexus calcification was present in 16% and was four times as common in those with pineal calcification (38% versus 10%, P = .005), with very good observer agreement (kappa = 0.74). Physiologic pineal calcification is more common in children than previously reported, mostly because of improving computed tomography technology. There is an association with choroid plexus calcification.