Clinical characteristics of pineal gland cysts in pediatric patients: A hospital based study

Abstract

Objective − The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients under 18 years diagnosed with pineal gland cysts.

Methods − The study was conducted on a sample of 79 children and adolescents diagnosed with pineal gland cysts found among the 30,150 children treated at our Department in a 10-year period. We collected data for each child regarding gender, age, all pre-existing diagnoses, symptoms, all diagnostic methods performed in the patients and the type of treatment.

Results − Out of 79 children, 47 had cysts whose size ranged from 0.51 to 1.0 cm. The most common symptoms associated with the pineal gland cyst were headache (21.5%) and general weakness (12.6%). The most common diagnoses leading to pineal gland cyst diagnosis were epilepsy (27.8%), change of psychological status (19%), headache (17.7%), tendency to atopy (11.4%) and obesity (10.1%). Most of the patients did not take drugs (44.3%), whereas 29.1% were taking one drug as chronic therapy. The most commonly used drugs were anticonvulsants (27.3%).

Conclusion − Our study confirmed findings in adult patients with pineal gland cysts that headache and weaknesses, as well as diagnosis of epilepsy, are potentially related to pineal gland cyst diagnosis in children. Our conclusions may help accelerate the process of diagnosing these cysts and shorten the time of hospitalization, reduce the number of examinations and healthcare costs. Due to the rarity of this cyst, it would be desirable to repeat the research on a larger number of children.