Pineal cyst management: A single-institution experience spanning two decades

BACKGROUND: Pineal cysts (PCs) are benign lesions commonly found on intracranial imaging. Despite their high prevalence, there is no clear consensus on the most appropriate management of patients with PCs, especially those with symptomatic nonhydrocephalic cysts. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 142 patients with PCs (103 surgical cases and 39 conservatively managed cases). Data were examined, including clinical presentation, imaging findings, ophthalmological status, natural course, postoperative outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Surgical group: the most common symptom was headache (92%), followed by signs of intracranial hypertension due to hydrocephalus (22%). New radiological feature of PCs was found in 11 patients. From 71 patients with long-term follow-up, headache completely resolved in 44 (62%) patients; marked improvement was observed in 20 (29%); in 7 (9%) – headache remained unchanged. The most common postoperative complication was neuro-ophthalmological disorders (23%), with a tendency for resolution in the long-term follow-up period. Neuro-ophthalmological symptoms at last follow-up included upward gaze palsy (6%) and skew deviation (5%), followed by convergence disorders (3%) and eyelid-retraction (2%). Natural course group: PC size remained stable in 34 (87%) patients during the follow-up period. The patient’s gender or age was not a significant predictor of cyst growth (P = 0.4, P = 0.56). CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with a newly diagnosed PC remain clinically and radiologically stable. Patients with nonhydrocephalic PCs and intractable headaches experience significant relief in headache symptoms, but are at risk of mild to moderate neuro-ophthalmological disorders. The natural course of PCs and factors promoting their growth still remains poorly defined.