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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Manual Segmentation of the Human Choroid Plexus Using Brain MRI
Published on: December 15, 2023
Physiologic calcification of the pineal gland in children on computed tomography: prevalence, observer reliability
Anthony James Doyle1, Graeme D Anderson
1Department of Radiology, Middlemore Hospital, University of Auckland, Hospital Road, Otahuhu, Auckland 1006, New Zealand. adoyle@middlemore.co.nz
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.
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