Pineal gland cyst
Encyclopedia
A pineal gland cyst is a benign cyst
in the pineal gland
, a small endocrine
gland in the brain
. Historically, these fluid-filled bodies appeared on 1-4% of magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) brain scans, but were more frequent at death, seen in 21-41% of autopsies. But a 2007 study by Pua et al. found a frequency of 23% in brain scans (with a mean largest inner cross-sectional diameter of .43 cm), with an insignificantly higher frequency for women over men.
These smaller cysts (less than .50 cm) are usually asymptomatic, but for larger cysts (greater than .50 cm), possible symptoms could include headache, visual disturbances, light sensitivity, circadian rhythm dysfunction, or hydrocephalus
if the cyst impinged on the superior colliculi
or caused obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct
.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders
says that pineal cysts larger than .50 cm are "rare findings" and are possibly symptomatic. If narrowing of the aqueduct of sylvius occurs, many neurological symptoms may exist, including headaches, vertigo, nausea, eye sensitivity, and ataxia
. Continued monitoring of the cyst might be recommended to monitor its growth, and surgery may be necessary.
Cyst
A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst could go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery.- Locations :* Acne...
in the pineal gland
Pineal gland
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. It produces the serotonin derivative melatonin, a hormone that affects the modulation of wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions...
, a small endocrine
Endocrine system
In physiology, the endocrine system is a system of glands, each of which secretes a type of hormone directly into the bloodstream to regulate the body. The endocrine system is in contrast to the exocrine system, which secretes its chemicals using ducts. It derives from the Greek words "endo"...
gland in the brain
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
. Historically, these fluid-filled bodies appeared on 1-4% of magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging , nuclear magnetic resonance imaging , or magnetic resonance tomography is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures...
(MRI) brain scans, but were more frequent at death, seen in 21-41% of autopsies. But a 2007 study by Pua et al. found a frequency of 23% in brain scans (with a mean largest inner cross-sectional diameter of .43 cm), with an insignificantly higher frequency for women over men.
These smaller cysts (less than .50 cm) are usually asymptomatic, but for larger cysts (greater than .50 cm), possible symptoms could include headache, visual disturbances, light sensitivity, circadian rhythm dysfunction, or hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus , also known as "water in the brain," is a medical condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain. This may cause increased intracranial pressure inside the skull and progressive enlargement of the head,...
if the cyst impinged on the superior colliculi
Superior colliculus
The optic tectum or simply tectum is a paired structure that forms a major component of the vertebrate midbrain. In mammals this structure is more commonly called the superior colliculus , but, even in mammals, the adjective tectal is commonly used. The tectum is a layered structure, with a...
or caused obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct
Cerebral aqueduct
The mesencephalic duct, also known as the aqueductus mesencephali, aqueduct of Sylvius or the cerebral aqueduct, contains cerebrospinal fluid , is within the mesencephalon and connects the third ventricle in the diencephalon to the fourth ventricle in the mesencephalon, which is between the pons...
.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders
National Organization for Rare Disorders
The National Organization for Rare Disorders is an American non-profit organization aiming to provide support individuals with rare diseases by advocating and funding research, education, and networking among service providers...
says that pineal cysts larger than .50 cm are "rare findings" and are possibly symptomatic. If narrowing of the aqueduct of sylvius occurs, many neurological symptoms may exist, including headaches, vertigo, nausea, eye sensitivity, and ataxia
Ataxia
Ataxia is a neurological sign and symptom that consists of gross lack of coordination of muscle movements. Ataxia is a non-specific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of the parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum...
. Continued monitoring of the cyst might be recommended to monitor its growth, and surgery may be necessary.