gms | German Medical Science

Objective: A cohort of children with pineal cysts at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital were identified to determine the progression and associated clinical features of pineal cysts. The objective of this study was to identify if there is a need to radiologically monitor pineal cysts in the absence of any clinical symptoms and signs.

Methods: Children with a formal radiological diagnosis of pineal cysts in their scan reports between 2009-2015 were included in the project. Those with other pathology were excluded from the study such as arachnoid cyst and brain tumours. Those whose cysts were later diagnosed as a different condition were excluded. Data was collected on the child’s age of diagnosis, symptomatology, co-morbidities cyst size and radiological appearance, co-morbidities. Volumetric analysis of the cysts was done, with CSF volume and tumour volumes measured. All repeat follow-up scans were assessed.

Results: The total cohort included 99 children identified from radiological reports. Twenty-one children were excluded due to the presence of other brain abnormalities and absence of a measurable cyst. No symptomatic changes were identified in the clinical letters. An assessment of the follow-up MRI and CT scans revealed no change in the pineal cyst volume.

Conclusion: Most pineal cysts were found as incidental findings and all the children assessed in this cohort had no associated symptoms at the time of presentation. Volumetric measurements revealed there was no change identified in the pineal cyst size. With the absence of any clinical symptoms serial scanning may not be necessary for pineal cysts. This would prevent unnecessary distress and sedation for the children.