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Pineal cyst

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Head trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male

CT brain

ct

Normal grey-white matter differentiation. Ventricles and sulcal pattern are within normal limits. Basal cisterns are unremarkable. No acute calvarial fracture identified.

Incidental note is made of a 12mm pineal cystic lesion. No convincing solid component, however given its size further imaging with MRI (pineal protocol with contrast) is recommended. 

MRI brain

mri

A pineal cyst is demonstrated measuring 12 x 8 x 11 mm with a thin (less than 1 mm) enhancing rim and a thin septum on the left side, but no nodule or solid component. It minimally distorts the tectal plate, without hydrocephalus. Flow void in the aqueduct is visible. Phase contrast imaging (SWI) confirms the presence of peripherally located calcification (on phase imaging the peripherally located calcium is black (opposite to blood in veins), thus enabling you to distinguish Ca+  from blood product).

The remainder of the brain is unremarkable in appearance with no intra extra-axial masses or regions of abnormal contrast enhancement.

Conclusion:

The features are those of a pineal cyst. Although almost certainly does not represent a cystic pineal tumor, given the enhancing septum and prominent size a repeat scan in 12 months time to ensure stability is probably warranted.

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