Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence and characteristics of pineal cysts found on MRI in children.MethodsThis is a retrospective monocentric study of all brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations performed under the same technical conditions for checking the idiopathic nature of short stature (ISS group, n = 116) and for the investigation of central precocious puberty (CPP) over a 3-year period (n = 56). Dimensions, wall and septal thickness, number of locules, signal intensity, and the presence of a solid component were analysed. Ten of 19 cysts were re-evaluated (follow-up interval 4–28 months). The prevalence of the pineal cysts was compared between the two groups using χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests, and a significance threshold of p < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of cysts was comparable in the two groups, CPP (10.7%) and ISS (11.2%). Cyst characteristics were similar in the two groups and 74% had thin septations. None of the cysts changed on follow-up. None of the children with pineal cysts exhibited neurological signs.ConclusionBenign pineal cysts are a common finding in young children. High-resolution MRI demonstrates that these cysts are often septated. This pattern is a normal variant and does not require follow-up MR imaging or IV contrast media.
Highlights
Pineal cysts— known as benign glial cysts of the pineal gland—are frequently described in adults, both on autopsy [1, 2] and on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where they are often incidental findings [3,4,5,6,7]
The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and characteristics of pineal cysts found on MRI in children
The frequency of pineal cysts found on routine autopsy varies between 20 and 40% [1, 2], but these figures include all cystic transformations of 2 and 5 mm in size
Summary
Pineal cysts— known as benign glial cysts of the pineal gland—are frequently described in adults, both on autopsy (up to 40%) [1, 2] and on MRI (about 10%), where they are often incidental findings [3,4,5,6,7]. Less is known about the prevalence and appearance of pineal cysts in children. Thanks to the high-resolution imaging possible with MRI, the anatomical details of these cysts can be visualised. The finding of an abnormal pineal region in children with central precocious puberty (CPP) is considered possibly causative by many paediatric endocrinologists. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and characteristics of pineal cysts found on MRI in children
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