Physiologic calcification of the pineal gland in children on computed tomography: Prevalence, observer reliability and association with choroid plexus calcification

Rationale and Objectives. To evaluate the prevalence of physiologic pineal calcification, estimate observer variability, and examine the association with choroid plexus calcification. Materials and Methods. A retrospective review of hard copy head computed tomography films of 242 patients age younger than 16 years by two independent observers. Results. Physiologic pineal calcification was present in 20% of the whole group, in 39% of those 8-14 years age, in 8% of those younger than 10 years age, and in 1% of those younger than age 6 years. Observer agreement was very good (kappa = 0.72). Choroid plexus calcification was present in 16% and was four times as common in those with pineal calcification (38% versus 10%, P =.005), with very good observer agreement (kappa = 0.74). Conclusion. Physiologic pineal calcification is more common in children than previously reported, mostly because of improving computed tomography technology. There is an association with choroid plexus calcification.