Incidental Pineal Cysts Detected on Brain MRI in Asymptomatic Adults: Clinical Characteristics and Imaging Follow-up

Abstract

Pineal cysts are frequently identified as incidental findings during magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Most remain clinically silent, yet their discovery often raises concern among patients and clinicians. This retrospective imaging review examined the demographic characteristics, MRI features, and follow-up outcomes of asymptomatic adults with incidentally detected pineal cysts. Most lesions demonstrated typical benign imaging characteristics and remained stable throughout follow-up. Neurological symptoms rarely developed, and surgical intervention was uncommon. Recognition of characteristic imaging findings may reduce unnecessary investigations while supporting appropriate clinical surveillance in selected cases.