A pineal gland cyst is a usually benign (non-malignant)

cyst A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct envelope and division compared with the nearby tissue. Hence, it is a cluster of cells that have grouped together to form a sac (like the manner in which water molecules group together to form a bubb ...

in the

pineal gland The pineal gland (also known as the pineal body or epiphysis cerebri) is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. It produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone, which modulates sleep, sleep patterns following the diurnal c ...

, a small

endocrine gland The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body. Along with the nervous system, it makes the neuroendocrine system, which controls and regulates many of the body's functions. Endocrine glands are ductless gland ...

in the brain. Historically, these fluid-filled bodies appeared on of

magnetic resonance imaging Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to generate pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes inside the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and ...

(MRI) brain scans, but were more frequently diagnosed at death, seen in of autopsies. A 2007 study by Pu ''et al''. found a frequency of 23% in brain scans (with a mean diameter of 4.3 mm). The

National Organization for Rare Disorders The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a nonprofit organization, based in Connecticut, aiming to provide support for individuals with rare diseases by advocating and funding research, education, and networking among service pro ...

states that pineal cysts larger than 5.0 mm are "rare findings" and are possibly symptomatic. If narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct occurs, many neurological symptoms may exist, including headaches, vertigo, nausea, muscle

fasciculations A fasciculation, or muscle twitch, is a spontaneous, involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation, involving fine muscle fibers. They are common, with as many as 70% of people experiencing them. They can be benign, or associated with more seriou ...

, eye sensitivity, and

ataxia Ataxia (from Greek α- negative prefix+ -τάξις rder= "lack of order") is a neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements that can include gait abnormality, speech changes, and abnormalities in e ...

. Continued monitoring of the cyst might be recommended to monitor its growth, and surgery may be necessary.Pineal Cysts, Symptomatic,

Treatment

Pineal gland cysts typically require treatment only if they are symptomatic. They can be removed either endoscopically or through a conventional open approach, such as a supracerebellar infratentorial approach.

Additional images

File:Brain MRI 0037 10.jpg, MRI axial in false color File:Pinealiszyste 32jw - MRT T2 sag - Annotation - 001.jpg, Another case: sagittal

References

External links

Pineal Cyst Images and Radiological Findings

radiopaedia.org article - Pineal Cyst

Pineal cyst article on Ars-Neurochirurgica
Central nervous system disorders Neuroendocrinology Cysts

Treatment

Additional images

References

Further reading

External links