Matt Whitehead MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Asim F. Choudhri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christopher C Oh MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Pineal cysts are frequently encountered lesions in children on brain MRI. Undoubtedly, many pineal cysts are more readily detected with volumetric sequences at 3T MR as most cysts are subcentimeter. We speculate that benign incidental pineal cysts in our patient population of children are extremely common at 3T MR performed with volumetric pulse sequences.

One hundred consecutive 3T brain MRIs in children (age 1 month - 17 years) performed at our instituition in 2011 were retrospectively reviewed by two pediatric neuroradiologists, both with certificates of added qualification in neuroradiology. Scans were performed either on GE or Seimens 3T MRI. Sagital 3D volumetric T1 weighted (T1WI), axial T2 weighted(T2WI), axial T2 Fluid attenuation inversion recovery (T2 FLAIR), and coronal Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were reviewed.  

Fifty-seven percent of these children harbored detectable (1.5 - 16 mm) pineal cysts; 24.6 % (14 of 57) of these cysts showed thin septations or fluid levels consistent with complexity.

More often than not, pineal cysts are present in children as detected by 3T MRI. Simple and complex pineal cysts are frequent benign, incidental findings in children.

Characteristic appearing simple and complex pineal cysts in children are benign, incidental findings for which followup is not required if there are no referable symptoms.

Whitehead, M, Choudhri, A, Oh, C, Incidental Pineal Cysts in Children at 3Tesla MR.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12021691.html