Pineal cyst apoplexy: case report and review of the literature

Lack of inflammation or immune response in cyst tissue of patients with symptomatic non-hydrocephalic pineal cysts

Pineal cysts are frequently encountered as incidental findings in magnetic resonance imaging, usually devoid of symptoms, yet some patients exhibit symptomatic manifestations possibly associated with the cyst, even in the absence of hydrocephalus. The etiology of these symptoms remains contentious. This study aims to investigate the presence of lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers and indications of inflammation or immune response within the pineal cysts of patients experiencing symptomatic non-hydrocephalic presentations. Eight patients who underwent surgical excision of their cysts were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess the expression of LYVE-1, PDPN, and VEGFR3 as LEC markers, alongside IL-6 and CD3 for indications of inflammation or immune activity. Our analysis revealed an absence of inflammatory markers or immune response. However, a distinct expression of VEGFR3 was observed, likely localized to neurons within the pineal cyst tissue. We propose that these VEGFR3+ neurons within the pineal cyst may contribute to the headache symptoms reported by these patients. Further investigations are warranted to substantiate this hypothesis.

Pineal Apoplexy: Highlighting the Causes, Treatment, and Outcome

BACKGROUND

 Pineal apoplexy, alternatively referred to as pineal hemorrhage or pineal gland hemorrhagic stroke, is an infrequent pathologic condition characterized by bleeding within the pineal gland. In this review, we encompass the primary factors contributing to this uncommon ailment.

METHODS

 The retrieval of pertinent research, including patients with pineal apoplexy, was conducted through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. This study exclusively incorporated comprehensive articles written in the English language. The search encompassed the MeSH terms "pineal apoplexy" and "pineal hemorrhage."

RESULTS

 A total of 41 articles were identified, encompassing a collective sample size of 57 patients. The median age of the patients in the study was 30 years, with a range spanning from 1 to 73 years. There were 27 males, representing 47.4% of the participants. The study identified the most often reported symptoms as headache (49; 86%), nausea/vomiting (19; 33.3%), and Parinaud's syndrome (16; 28.1%). The treatment options encompass several approaches, including open resection, shunting, ventriculostomy, endoscopic aspiration, and conservative care. In the conducted study, a notable number of patients, amounting to 45 cases (78.9%), indicated an amelioration of their symptoms upon their discharge.

CONCLUSION

 Data from a cohort of 57 cases provide insights into symptoms, lesions, treatments, and outcomes. Management approaches range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, with prognosis hinged on timely intervention. This investigation serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers, underscoring the need for early diagnosis before permanent neurologic dysfunction happens and tailored treatments for optimal outcomes in pineal apoplexy cases.

Pineal cyst: results of long-term MRI surveillance and analysis of growth and shrinkage rates

OBJECTIVE

Pineal cyst (PC) is a relatively common true cyst in the pineal gland. Its long-term natural course remains ill defined. This study aims to evaluate the long-term natural history of PC and examine MRI risk factors for cyst growth and shrinkage to help better define which patients might benefit from surgical intervention.

METHODS

The records and MRI of 409 consecutive patients with PC were retrospectively examined (nonsurgical cohort). Cyst growth and shrinkage were defined as a ≥ 2-mm increase and decrease in cyst diameter in any direction, respectively. In addition to size, MRI signal intensity ratios were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median radiological follow-up period was 10.7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6.4-14.3 years). The median change in maximal diameter was -0.6 mm (IQR -1.5 to 1.3 mm). During the observation period, cyst growth was confirmed in 21 patients (5.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only age (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93-0.99, p < 0.01) was significantly associated with cyst growth. No patient required resection during the observation period. Cyst shrinkage was confirmed in 57 patients (13.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed that maximal diameter (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12-1.35, p < 0.01) and cyst CSF T2 signal intensity ratio (OR 9.06, 95% CI 1.38-6.62 × 101, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with cyst shrinkage.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 5% of PCs, mainly in patients younger than 50 years of age, have the potential to grow, while cyst shrinkage is more likely to occur across all age groups. Younger age is associated with cyst growth, while larger diameter and higher signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging are associated with shrinkage. Surgery is rarely needed for PCs, despite the possibility of a certain degree of growth.

Pineal cyst apoplexy and memory loss: a novel complication

An 8-year-old boy presented to our hospital complaining of a bilateral headache associated with episodes of anterograde amnesia. He had a road traffic accident 3 years ago when a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed traumatic brain injury. In addition, a small pineal cyst (PC) was noted with minor intramural calcifications. A follow-up CT a day later demonstrated increased density in the pineal gland of 60 Hounsfield Units, suggestive of apoplectic changes in the PC. However, the patient was lost to follow-up and presented with memory loss a year and a half later, upon which CT and magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of the PC. PC apoplexy is a very rare occurrence usually affecting young adult women; cases in children are rarely reported. Furthermore, PC apoplexy secondary to severe craniofacial trauma manifesting as memory loss has not yet been reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge.

Pineal cysts without hydrocephalus: microsurgical resection via an infratentorial-supracerebellar approach-surgical strategies, complications, and their avoidance

Indications for surgery of pineal cysts without ventriculomegaly are still under debate. In view of the limited data for pineal cyst resection in the absence of hydrocephalus, and the potential risk of this approach, we have analyzed our patient cohort focusing on strategies to avoid complications according to our experience in a series of 73 pineal cyst patients. From 2003 to 2015, we reviewed our database retrospectively for all patients operated on a pineal cyst. Furthermore, we prospectively collected patients from 2016 to 2020. In summary, 73 patients with a pineal cyst were treated surgically between 2003 and 2020. All patients were operated on via a microscopic supracerebellar-infratentorial (SCIT) approach. The mean follow-up period was 26.6 months (range: 6-139 months). Seventy-three patients underwent surgery for a pineal cyst. An absence of enlarged ventricles was documented in 62 patients (51 female, 11 male, mean age 28.1 (range 4-59) years). Main presenting symptoms included headache, visual disturbances, dizziness/vertigo, nausea/emesis, and sleep disturbances. Complete cyst resection was achieved in 59/62 patients. Fifty-five of 62 (89%) patients improved after surgery with good or even excellent results according to the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale, with complete or partial resolution of the leading symptoms. Pineal cysts resection might be an indication in certain patients for surgery even in the absence of ventriculomegaly. The high percentage of postoperative resolution of quality-of-life impairing symptoms in our series seems to justify surgery. Preoperatively, other causes of the leading symptoms have to be excluded.

Surgical treatment of symptomatic pineal cysts without hydrocephalus-meta-analysis of the published literature

Background

To examine published data and assess evidence relating to safety and efficacy of surgical management of symptomatic pineal cysts without hydrocephalus (nhSPC), we performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched Pubmed and SCOPUS for all reports with the query ‘Pineal Cyst’ AND ‘Surgery’ as of March 2021, without constraints on study design, publication year or status (PROSPERO_CRD:42,021,242,517). Assessment of 1537 hits identified 26 reports that met inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

All 26 input studies were either case reports or single-centre retrospective cohorts. The majority of outcome data were derived from routine physician-recorded notes. A total of 294 patients with surgically managed nhSPC were identified. Demographics: Mean age was 29 (range: 4–63) with 77% females. Mean cyst size was 15 mm (5–35). Supracerebellar-infratentorial approach was adopted in 90% of cases, occipital-transtentorial in 9%, and was not reported in 1%. Most patients were managed by cyst resection (96%), and the remainder by fenestration. Mean post-operative follow-up was 35 months (0–228). Presentation: Headache was the commonest symptom (87%), followed by visual (54%), nausea/vomit (34%) and vertigo/dizziness (31%). Other symptoms included focal neurology (25%), sleep disturbance (17%), cognitive impairment (16%), loss of consciousness (11%), gait disturbance (11%), fatigue (10%), ‘psychiatric’ (2%) and seizures (1%). Mean number of symptoms reported at presentation was 3 (0–9). Outcomes: Improvement rate was 93% (to minimise reporting bias only consecutive cases from cohort studies were considered, N = 280) and was independent of presentation. Predictors of better outcomes were large cyst size (OR = 5.76; 95% CI: 1.74–19.02) and resection over fenestration (OR = 12.64; 3.07–52.01). Age predicted worse outcomes (OR = 0.95; 0.91–0.99). Overall complication rate was 17% and this was independent of any patient characteristics. Complications with long-term consequences occurred in 10 cases (3.6%): visual disturbance (3), chronic incisional pain (2), sensory disturbance (1), fatigue (1), cervicalgia (1), cerebellar stroke (1) and mortality due to myocardial infarction (1).

Conclusions

Although the results support the role of surgery in the management of nhSPCs, they have to be interpreted with a great deal of caution as the current evidence is limited, consisting only of case reports and retrospective surgical series. Inherent to such studies are inhomogeneity and incompleteness of data, selection bias and bias related to assessment of outcome carried out by the treating surgeon in the majority of cases. Prospective studies with patient-reported and objective outcome assessment are needed to provide higher level of evidence.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00701-021-05054-0.

Pineal Apoplexy: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

 Pineal apoplexy is a rare condition, with unknown incidence and clinical significance. To elucidate this clinical condition, we analyzed our own case series and performed a review of the literature.

METHODS

 We enrolled all patients with a hemorrhagic pineal apoplexy who were referred to our department between January 2000 and January 2020. Hemorrhagic pineal apoplexy was defined as the presence of fluid-fluid levels inside the pineal cyst (PC) on an axial or sagittal magnetic resonance scan. In one patient, after PC apoplexy, we performed a circadian melatonin sampling from peripheral blood to determine the function of the pineal gland. The PubMed database was searched for publications using the terms "pineal" and "apoplexy."

RESULTS

 Eight patients were enrolled, of which three patients underwent surgical treatment and five patients were managed conservatively. One patient was tested for circadian melatonin secretion. Results confirmed melatonin secretion with preserved physiologic circadian rhythm.Our search of the literature led us to 31 studies that comprised 30 patients with apoplectic PC, 9 with apoplectic pineal tumor, and 1 with bleeding into the normal pineal gland. Most patients presented with headache, nausea, and vomiting, less frequently with acute hydrocephalus and gaze palsy. Twenty patients with a PC underwent resection or aspiration. Two patients underwent shunt placement as the only procedure and five received both shunt and surgical removal. Six patients with a PC were observed without surgical treatment. All the nine patients with a pineal tumor were operated on. In indicated cases, four patients received radiation therapy and one received chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

 Clinical significance of hemorrhagic pineal apoplexy ranges from an asymptomatic course to rapid deterioration and death. In patients with mild symptoms, observation is indicated, whereas surgical treatment is reserved for severe cases presenting with obstructive hydrocephalus and includes cerebrospinal fluid diversion, resection of apoplectic pineal lesions, or both.

QRICH1 variants in Ververi-Brady syndrome-delineation of the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum

Ververi-Brady syndrome (VBS, # 617982) is a rare developmental disorder, and loss-of-function variants in QRICH1 were implicated in its etiology. Furthermore, a recognizable phenotype was proposed comprising delayed speech, learning difficulties and dysmorphic signs. Here, we present four unrelated individuals with one known nonsense variant (c.1954C > T; p.[Arg652*]) and three novel de novo QRICH1 variants, respectively. These included two frameshift mutations (c.832_833del; p.(Ser278Leufs*25), c.1812_1813delTG; p.(Glu605Glyfs*25)) and interestingly one missense mutation (c.2207G > A; p.[Ser736Asn]), expanding the mutational spectrum. Enlargement of the cohort by these four individuals contributes to the delineation of the VBS phenotype and suggests expressive speech delay, moderate motor delay, learning difficulties/mild ID, mild microcephaly, short stature and notable social behavior deficits as clinical hallmarks. In addition, one patient presented with nephroblastoma. The possible involvement of QRICH1 in pediatric cancer assumes careful surveillance a key priority for outcome of these patients. Further research and enlargement of cohorts are warranted to learn about the genetic architecture and the phenotypic spectrum in more detail.

Isolated convergence-retraction nystagmus secondary to intralesional haemorrhage of a pineal cyst: an easily missed neurological finding with potentially life-threatening consequences

This case report describes a patient who presented to the emergency department with intermittent visual disturbance and was found to have convergence-retraction nystagmus. This occurred in the setting of supratherapeutic anticoagulation on warfarin for an aortic dissection graft repair. Urgent imaging demonstrated haemorrhagic transformation of a previously identified incidental pineal cyst. After close monitoring given the risk of secondary hydrocephalus, the patient was discharged in stable condition with symptom resolution and without any further significant complications. This case report highlights the importance of identifying subtle clinical findings and the risk of secondary haemorrhage of pineal cysts when on anticoagulation. While the risk of secondary hydrocephalus is a significant concern, clinically stable patients can be followed without need for neurosurgical intervention.

Pineal Cyst Apoplexy in an 8-Year-Old Girl: Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Pineal cysts are common, typically asymptomatic, and are usually found incidentally in adults. In rare cases, pineal cyst apoplexy occurs as a result of an acute cystic hemorrhage. This situation can result in acute onset of severe headaches, acute obstructive hydrocephalus, mass effect on the midbrain, and even death. Pineal apoplexy is most common in women of reproductive age, whereas pediatric cases continue to be less prevalent. Pineal cyst apoplexy remains a rare entity with ≥30 cases presented in the literature to date.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present the youngest case in the literature (an 8-year-old girl with a pineal cyst that resulted in apoplexy), her diagnostic workup, management, and follow-up. We supplement our case study with a literature review of pineal cyst apoplexy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pineal cyst apoplexy remains a rare clinical event in the pediatric population. Our case details the diagnosis and management of an 8-year-old girl with pineal cyst apoplexy. We also discuss our findings from our literature search for all reported cases of pineal cyst apoplexy.

Pineal Cyst Apoplexy: A Rare Complication of Common Entity

Pineal cysts (PCs) are often encountered as incidental findings in intracranial images. The vast majority of cysts are normally asymptomatic and clinically benign. Bleeding into the cysts, which leads to neurological symptoms and signs, is considered to be quite rare. The authors illustrate a newly identified complication of PC in a 56-year-old woman who characterized by headache of sudden onset and vomiting. MRI disclosed a small hemorrhagic PC without narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct. The patient was managed conservatively without any surgical interventions, and she remained symptom-free over a period of 15-year follow-up. The description of this case adds to the limited literature on the series in which nonsurgical treatments had a role in the care for patients with PC complicated by intracystic hemorrhage.

Neuroimaging in emergency: a review of possible role of pineal gland disease

The pineal gland can be involved in a variety of neoplastic and congenital masses and tumors. Pineal gland neoplasms occur more frequently in children, accounting for 3-8% of intracranial tumors in the pediatric population. Pineal cysts are small lesions usually asymptomatic and encountered incidentally. Pathologic processes involving the pineal region produce signs and symptoms related to the mass effect on the adjacent structures and invasion of surrounding structures. These include several acute symptoms, such as increased intracranial pressure syndrome from obstruction of the aqueduct and consequent hydrocephalus, and Parinaud syndrome. Pineal apoplexy is rare and refers to the sudden neurological deterioration following hemorrhage in the pineal gland, most commonly into a pineal cyst. Knowledge of the clinical presentation and imaging features of these lesions is essential to narrow the differential diagnosis, especially when presenting with acute onset.

Natural course of pineal cysts-a radiographic study

Background

Pineal cysts (PCs) are a benign lesion of the pineal gland that have been known to the medical community for a long time. With a prevalence rate of approximately 1% in the general population, PC is often a reason for medical counseling. The natural course of PC morphology has not been well described. In this study, we present a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of patients with PCs, with special focus on those who showed an increase or decrease in PC size.

Methods

We enrolled all patients with a PC who were referred to our department between January 2000 and January 2018. Each patient underwent a clinical examination, and the patient’s age, sex, and presenting signs and symptoms were noted. MRI was performed during periodic examinations, and a clinical and radiological course was reassessed.

Results

In total, 133 patients (99 women, 34 men) were enrolled. The mean maximum diameter was 12.7 ± 5.2 mm (range 7–35 mm). PCs increased in size during the follow-up in seven patients (5.3%) and decreased in size in 10 (7.5%). The remaining cysts (n = 116, 87.2%) were stable over the follow-up period. Analyzing patients according to cyst size change, we found a significant difference in the mean age between the PC progression group and PC regression group (p = 0.01). The mean size of the PCs at the time of diagnosis did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.81). We diagnosed two cases of pineal apoplexy.

Conclusion

We found that PCs are a dynamic structure that may change in size during the patient’s lifetime. Patients with an increase in PC size were significantly younger than patients with a decrease in size. Therefore, PC growth in the first, second, and third decennium is normal and does not justify medical intervention. Surgery is indicated in cases of hydrocephalus and Parinaud’s syndrome or in atypical cysts when neoplasia is suspected. The size of a PC does not predict PC behavior in terms of a future increase or decrease in size.

Relationship between pineal cyst size and aqueductal CSF flow measured by phase contrast MRI

BACKGROUND

Most patients with pineal cysts referred for neurosurgical consultation have no specific symptoms or objective findings except for pineal cyst size to help in management decisions. Our purpose was to assess the relationship between pineal cyst size and aqueductal CSF flow using PC-MRI.

METHODS

Eleven adult patients with pineal cysts (>1 cm) referred for neurosurgical consultations were included. Cyst volume was calculated using 3D T1 images. Phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) in axial plane with velocity encoding of 5 cm/sec was used to quantitatively assess CSF flow through the cerebral aqueduct to determine the aqueductal stroke volume, which was then correlated to cyst size using Pearson's correlation. Pineal cysts were grouped by size into small (6/11) and large (5/11) using the median value to compare aqueductal stroke volume using Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

Patients were 39±13 years (mean±SD) of age, and 10/11 (91%) were female. There was significant negative correlation between cyst volume and aqueductal stroke volume (r=0.74; P=0.009). Volume of small cysts (4954±2157 mm³) was significantly different compared to large cysts (13,752±3738 mm³; P=0.008). The aqueductal stroke volume of patients harboring large cysts 33±8 μL/cardiac cycle was significantly lower than that of patients with small cysts 96±29 μL/cardiac cycle (P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Aqueductal CSF flow appears to decrease with increasing pineal cyst size. Our preliminary results provide first evidence that even in the absence of objective neurological findings or hydrocephalus; larger pineal cysts already display decreased CSF flow through the cerebral aqueduct.

Epilepsy in patients with pineal gland cyst

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to describe types of epileptic seizures in patients with pineal gland cyst (PGC) and their outcome during follow up period (6-10 years). We wanted to determine whether patients with epilepsy differ in PGC volume and compression of the PGC on surrounding brain structures compared to patients with PGC, without epilepsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed prospectivelly 92 patients with PGC detected on magnetic resonance (MR) of the brain due to various neurological symptoms during the period 2006-2010. Data on described compression of the PGC on surrounding brain structures and size of the PGC were collected.

RESULTS

29 patients (16 women, 13 men), mean age 21.17 years had epilepsy and PGC (epilepsy group). 63 patients (44 women, 19 men), mean age 26.97 years had PGC without epilepsy (control group). Complex partial seizures were present in 8 patients, complex partial seizures with secondary generalization in 8 patients, generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS) in 10 and absance seizures in 3 patients. Mean PGC volume in epilepsy group was 855.93 mm³, in control group 651.59 mm³. There was no statistically significant difference between epilepsy and control group in PGC volume. Compression of PGC on surrounding brain structures was found in 3/29 patients (10.34%) in epilepsy group and in 11/63 patients (17.46%) in control group with no statistically significant difference between epilepsy and control group. All patients with epilepsy were put on antiepileptic therapy (AET). During the follow up period, 23 patients (79.31%) were seizure free, 3 patients (13.04%) had reduction in seizure frequency, whereas 3 patients had no improvement in seizure frequency. Two patients from epilepsy group and 3 patients from control group were operated with histologically confirmed diagnosis of PGC in 4, and pinealocytoma in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PGC, epileptic seizures were classified as: complex partial seizures (with or without secondary generalization), GTCS and absance seizures. All patients were put on AET. During follow up period 79.31% patients were seizure free. There was no difference in PGC volume, nor in described compression of the PGC on surrounding brain structures between epilepsy and control group. Based on our findings, pathomechanism of epileptic seizures in patients with PGC cannot be attributable solely to PGC volume or described compression on surrounding brain structures based on MRI findings.

Superficial Siderosis Associated with Pineal Cavernous Malformation

BACKGROUND

Cavernous malformations in the pineal region are rare and difficult to anticipate from preoperative evaluation in patients with pineal apoplexy. We herein report the first case of a pineal cavernous malformation with superficial siderosis. Radiological findings were helpful in identifying the presence of the cavernous malformation.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 47-year-old female presented with a 4-month history of progressive headache, nausea, and dizziness. She complained of double vision and exhibited upward gaze palsy and papilledema on fundoscopy. Radiological examination revealed subacute hemorrhage in the pineal region and enlarged lateral ventricles. Furthermore, T2-star-weighted gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a linear hypointensity along the pial surface of the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and cerebellum, indicating hemosiderin deposition consistent with superficial siderosis. Suspecting the presence of a cavernous malformation based on the radiological findings of superficial siderosis, we performed total mass resection. The postoperative course was uneventful and her preoperative symptoms resolved completely.

CONCLUSION

Radiological findings of superficial siderosis on T2-star-weighted gradient-echo imaging are useful to making a diagnosis of cavernous malformation in cases of pineal apoplexy. They are also important for making the treatment decision to perform total mass resection, which is the best curative method for pineal cavernous malformations.

[Pineal cyst]

A pineal cyst (PC) is a benign neoplasm in the pineal region, or more precisely in the pineal body. Most cysts are incidental findings and are not associated with symptoms typical of patients seeking medical advice. Symptomatic cysts are discovered less often and, depending on the clinical picture, require different treatment approaches.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed the literature data about the clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment of PCs for more than a century (1914-2016).

CONCLUSION

To date, there is no single approach for managing PC patients. The indications for surgical treatment of symptomatic PCs are still not fully defined. It remains unclear which PC cases should be followed-up, and how often control examinations should be performed. More research of PCs is needed to develop new approaches to treatment of PC patients.

Incidental Pineal Cysts: Is Surveillance Necessary?

OBJECTIVE

The natural history of incidental pineal cysts is poorly understood. Neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists are more frequently faced with this disease in the advent of higher-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. We aim to suggest a suitable surveillance strategy for these patients.

METHODS

All patients who had MRI of the brain between June 2007 and January 2014 (n = 42,099) at The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery were included. Radiologic reports containing the terms "pineal" and "cyst" were reviewed to identify patients.

RESULTS

A total of 281 patients were identified with pineal cysts. The principal indication for head MRI was headache (50.2%), although no symptoms were deemed attributable to pineal disease. A total of 178 patients (63.3%) were female, and the age at diagnosis ranged from 16 to 84 years. The median size of pineal cyst at diagnosis was 10 mm. A total of 181 patients had subsequent follow-up at a median time of 6 months (range, 1-68). Eleven pineal cysts (6%) changed size during the follow-up period. Four patients had a reduction in cyst size; the median change was 2.5 mm. A further 7 pineal cysts increased in cyst size; the median change was 2 mm. No patients developed complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental pineal cysts typically show a benign course. In the adult population, they do not require long-term neurosurgical follow-up, because pineal cysts tend to remain a stable size. In asymptomatic patients, we recommend a single follow-up MRI scan at 12 months to confirm diagnosis. The patient should then be discharged if the cyst remains stable.

Pineal cyst resection in the absence of ventriculomegaly or Parinaud's syndrome: clinical outcomes and implications for patient selection

OBJECT

Surgical indications for patients with pineal cysts are controversial. While the majority of patients harboring a pineal cyst require no treatment, surgery is a well-accepted option for a subset of those patients with secondary hydrocephalus or Parinaud's syndrome. The majority of pineal cysts are identified incidentally during workup for other potential conditions, which may or may not be related to the presence of the cyst. In the absence of clear obstruction of CSF pathways, the treatment of presumed symptomatic pineal cysts is debatable. To clarify the role of surgery in these borderline cases, the authors reviewed their experience with resection of pineal cysts in the absence of ventriculomegaly or Parinaud's syndrome.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records and imaging of all patients surgically treated between 2001 and 2014 with a pineal cyst in the absence of ventriculomegaly and Parinaud's syndrome. The presenting symptoms, preoperative cyst size, preoperative radiographic aqueductal compression, extent of resection, and radiographic and clinical follow-up were documented.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (14 female and 4 male; mean age 24 years, range 4–47 years) underwent cyst resection in the absence of ventriculomegaly or Parinaud's syndrome. Presenting symptoms included headache (17 patients), visual disturbances (10 patients), gait instability (5 patients), dizziness (5 patients), episodic loss of consciousness (2 patients), and hypersomnolence (1 patient). The mean preoperative cyst diameter was 1.5 cm (range 0.9–2.2 cm). All patients had a complete resection. At a mean clinical follow-up of 19.1 months (range postoperative to 71 months), 17 (94%) patients had resolution or improvement of their presenting symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' results suggest that ventriculomegaly and Parinaud's syndrome are not absolute requisites for a pineal cyst to be symptomatic. Analogous to colloid cysts of the third ventricle, intermittent occlusion of cerebrospinal fluid pathways may cause small pineal cysts to become intermittently symptomatic. A select cohort of patients with pineal cysts may benefit from surgery despite a lack of hydrocephalus or other obvious compressive pathology.

Endoscopic surgery for hemorrhagic pineal cyst following antiplatelet therapy: case report

Pineal cysts of the third ventricle presenting with acute obstructive hydrocephalus due to internal cystic hemorrhage are a rare clinical entity. The authors report a case of a 61-year-old man taking antiplatelet medication who suffered from a hemorrhagic pineal cyst and was treated with endoscopic surgery. One month prior to treatment, the patient was diagnosed with a brainstem infarction and received clopidogrel in addition to aspirin. A small incidental pineal cyst was concurrently diagnosed using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging which was intended to be followed conservatively. The patient presented with a sudden onset of headache and diplopia. On admission, the neurological examination revealed clouding of consciousness and Parinaud syndrome. Computerized tomography (CT) scans demonstrated a hemorrhagic mass lesion in the posterior third ventricle. The patient underwent emergency external ventricular drainage with staged endoscopic biopsy and third ventriculostomy using a flexible videoscope. Histological examination revealed pineal tissue with necrotic change and no evidence of tumor cells. One year later MR imaging demonstrated no evidence of cystic lesion and a flow void between third ventricle and prepontine cistern. In patients with asymptomatic pineal cysts who are treated with antiplatelet therapy, it is important to be aware of the risk of pineal apoplexy. Endoscopic management can be effective for treatment of hemorrhagic pineal cyst with obstructive hydrocephalus.

Update on the management of pineal cysts: Case series and a review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The natural history of pineal cysts still remains unclear. Incidental pineal cysts have become more common which raises the question of their management. Symptomatic pineal cysts may require a surgical solution but therapeutic indications have not yet been clearly established.

METHOD

From 1986 to 2012, 26 patients with pineal cysts were identified. Their medical records were retrospectively assessed focusing on the initial symptoms, imaging characteristics of the cyst, management strategy, operative technique and their complications, as well as the latest follow-up. A systematic review of the literature is also presented.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients with pineal cysts were identified. The mean age was 23.5 years ranging from 7 to 49 years. Symptoms included intracranial hypertension with obstructive hydrocephalus in 18 cases and oculomotor anomalies in 12 cases. Two adult cases presented with non-specific headaches and did not require surgery. Twenty patients were operated via a suboccipital transtentorial approach with total removal of the cyst in 70% of the cases, while the remaining 4 cases were treated with an intraventricular endoscopic marsupialization associating a third ventriculostomy. Four patients required a preoperative ventriculo-peritoneal shunt due to life-threatening obstructive hydrocephalus. Overall, peri-operative mortality was nil. In the two non-operated patients, the cyst remained stable and no recurrences were observed in all operated patients with a mean follow-up of 144 months.

CONCLUSION

In the majority of incidental pineal cysts, a clinical and imaging follow-up is sufficient but occasionally not required especially in adults as very rare cases of increase in size have been reported.

Management of endocrine disease: clinicopathological classification and molecular markers of pituitary tumours for personalized therapeutic strategies

Pituitary tumours, the most frequent intracranial tumour, are historically considered benign. However, various pieces of clinical evidence and recent advances in pathological and molecular analyses suggest the need to consider these tumours as more than an endocrinological disease, despite the low incidence of metastasis. Recently, we proposed a new prognostic clinicopathological classification of these pituitary tumours, according to the tumour size (micro, macro and giant), type (prolactin, GH, FSH/LH, ACTH and TSH) and grade (grade 1a, non-invasive; 1b, non-invasive and proliferative; 2a, invasive; 2b, invasive and proliferative and 3, metastatic). In addition to this classification, numerous molecular prognostic markers have been identified, allowing a better characterisation of tumour behaviour and prognosis. Moreover, clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that pituitary tumours could be treated by some chemotherapeutic drugs or new targeted therapies. Our improved classification of these tumours should now allow the identification of prognosis markers and help the clinician to propose personalised therapies to selected patients presenting tumours with a high risk of recurrence.

Spontaneous pineal apoplexy in a pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation

Pineal apoplexy is a rare clinical presentation of pineal parenchymal tumors. We report the curative treatment of a case of pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation with spontaneous apoplectic hemorrhage. This case is shown through computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and is confirmed via histopathological studies. Recurrent upward gaze paresis was observed after the stereotactic biopsy. The paresis required an expeditious tumor resection. The mechanism of the pineal apoplectic hemorrhage remains unclear although it has been observed in different pineal region lesions. Clinical and radiological evidence of the cure 5 years post-surgery is available.

Magnetic resonance imaging of pineal region tumours

Objectives

Pineal lesions can present as a heterogeneous collection of benign and malignant disease conditions. Pineal lesions include germ cell tumours, neoplasms arising from the pineal parenchyma, as well as other pineal region masses.

Methods

A variety of cases of pineal lesions are presented. The important clinical features and typical imaging findings of each pineal lesion are described with emphasis on their morphological appearance and signal intensity characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Conclusion

Knowledge of the imaging characteristics and clinical features of varying pineal lesions can assist in narrowing the differential diagnosis for more accurate and rational therapeutic planning.

Teaching Points

• Pineal parenchymal tumours show an “explosion” of normal pineal calcifications towards the periphery.

• Pineoblastomas often have restricted diffusion, with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values lower than germinomas.

• Pineal teratomas and pineal lipomas display fat signal characteristics and fat saturation on MRI.

• Pineal lesions in patients with known malignancy should raise suspicion of metastatic involvement.

• Pineal cysts and arachnoid cysts show MRI signal characteristics similar to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Pineal cysts in children: case-based update

PURPOSE

Pineal cysts (PC) are found in children as often asymptomatic and without change in their size over the time. However, there are some debatable issues about their evolution and management in the pediatric population. The aim of the present paper is to update the information regarding pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of these lesions.

METHODS

All the pertinent literature was reviewed, and a meta-analysis of operated on cases was carried out. An illustrative case regarding the clinical evolution of a 13-year-old girl is also presented.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

PC are often asymptomatic and do not evolve over the time. However, since there is a certain risk of clinical and/or radiological progression, or even sudden and severe clinical onset (apoplexy), both a clinical and radiological follow-up is recommended in the pediatric age. The surgical excision is usually limited to symptomatic patients or to cases with clear radiological evolution.

Pineal cyst apoplexy: report of an unusual case managed conservatively

Pineal cyst apoplexy is a very rare entity with previously reported symptoms of severe frontal or occipital headache, gaze paresis and visual field defects, nausea or vomiting, syncope, ataxia, hearing loss and sudden death. The treatment options for symptomatic pineal cysts are observation, shunting, aspiration via stereotactic guidance or endoscopy, third ventriculostomy, ventriculocysternostomy, and/or surgical resection by craniotomy and microsurgery. Here, the authors report an unusual case of a 28-year-old male patient with pineal cyst apoplexy, presenting with headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction symptoms who is being managed conservatively and observed for two years by an academic tertiary care unit.

Expression and function of ErbB receptors and ligands in the pituitary

The role of ErbB family in discreet pituitary functions is reviewed. Several ErbB receptor ligands, EGF, TGFα, and heregulin are differentially expressed in normal gonadotroph and lacto-somatotroph lineages, and other elements of the anterior pituitary. ErbB receptors, i.e. EGFR and ErbB2, are also localized to the anterior pituitary with preferential EGFR lactosomatotroph expression. EGF regulates CRH and ACTH secretion and corticotroph proliferation as well as exhibiting autocrine and paracrine effects on gonadotrophs and on lactosomatotroph proliferation, gene and protein expression, and hormonal secretion. EGF and EGFR are expressed in both functioning and non-functioning pituitary adenomas, with higher expression in more aggressive tumor subtypes. ErbB2 receptor is detected in all tumor subtypes, particularly in invasive tumors. ErbB tyrosine kinase inhibitors regulate hormonal secretion, cell morphology, and proliferation in lacto-somatotroph tumors, reflecting the emerging application of targeted pituitary therapeutics.

Pineal cysts in children

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and characteristics of pineal cysts found on MRI in children. METHODS: This 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. RESULTS: The 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. CONCLUSION: Benign 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.

Prevalence and natural history of pineal cysts in adults

OBJECT

We reviewed our experience with pineal cysts to define the natural history and clinical relevance of this common intracranial finding.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 48,417 consecutive patients who underwent brain MR imaging at a single institution over a 12-year interval and who were over 18 years of age at the time of imaging. Patient characteristics, including demographic data and other intracranial diagnoses, were collected from cases involving patients with a pineal cyst. We then identified all patients with pineal cysts who had been clinically evaluated at our institution and who had at least 6 months of clinical and imaging follow-up. All inclusion criteria for the natural history analysis were met in 151 patients.

RESULTS

Pineal cysts measuring 5 mm or larger in greatest dimension were found in 478 patients (1.0%). Of these, 162 patients were male and 316 were female. On follow-up MR imaging of 151 patients with pineal cyst at a mean interval of 3.4 years from the initial study, 124 pineal cysts remained stable, 4 increased in size, and 23 decreased in size. Cysts that were larger at the time of initial diagnosis were more likely to decrease in size over the follow-up interval (p = 0.004). Patient sex, patient age at diagnosis, and the presence of septations within the cyst were not significantly associated with cyst change on follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up imaging and neurosurgical evaluation are not mandatory for adults with asymptomatic pineal cysts.

From the archives of the AFIP: lesions of the pineal region: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Lesions of the pineal region include a diverse group of entities. The most common neoplastic lesions are the germ cell tumors. Germ cell tumors may be hormonally active, and evaluation of serum or cerebrospinal fluid levels of oncoproteins assists in making the diagnosis. Neoplasms arising from the pineal parenchyma include the low-grade pineocytoma, pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation, and the highly malignant pineoblastoma. Germ cell tumors and pineal parenchymal neoplasms do not have pathognomonic imaging findings, but imaging in combination with laboratory evaluation helps narrow the differential diagnosis. Neoplasms may also arise from the variety of cell types residing in the proximity of the pineal gland. These include lipomas, meningiomas, and astrocytomas. Congenital lesions such as epidermoid and dermoid cysts and lipomas can also occur. Knowledge of the variety of lesions that occur in the pineal region, their imaging appearances, and their clinical features assists in narrowing the radiologic differential diagnosis and optimizing patient treatment.

Symptomatic intracystic hemorrhage in pineal cysts. Report of 3 cases

Pineal cysts are benign and often asymptomatic intracranial entities. Occasionally they can lead to neurological symptoms through growth or due to intracystic hemorrhage. The purpose of the current report is to describe their clinical characteristics and treatment options. In the current study, the authors illustrate the course of disease in 3 patients who developed neurological symptoms due to hemorrhage into a pineal cyst. Two of their patients had additional cerebral disease, and regular MR imaging examinations were conducted. This circumstance allowed documentation of growth and intracystic hemorrhage. After the occurrence of new neurological symptoms with severe headache, MR images showed a fluid-fluid interface due to intracystic hemorrhage. The third patient presented with acute triventricular hydrocephalus and papilledema due to aqueductal stenosis caused by intracystic hemorrhage. In all 3 cases, excision of the pineal cysts via an infratentorial/supracerebellar approach was performed. Histological examination revealed the characteristic structure of pineal cyst in all cases, with hemorrhagic residues in the form of hemosiderin deposits. All patients recovered fully after surgical removal of the cysts. Furthermore, resolution of occlusive hydrocephalus could be demonstrated in those cases with ventricular enlargement. Pineal cysts without neurological symptoms are often discovered as incidental findings on cranial MR images. In contrast, neurological symptoms such as severe headache, diplopia, or Parinaud syndrome, may occur as a result of pineal apoplexy due to intracystic hemorrhage. The authors' cases confirm that MR imaging can identify intracystic hemorrhage by a characteristic fluid-fluid interface. Their experience suggests that microsurgical resection of cysts may be an effective and curative treatment option.