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Is Calcified Pineal Gland A Serious Problem?

Posted on Sat, 1 Feb 2014

Question: A recent CT scan came back negative. Then I has an MRI done that showed a calcified pineal gland. Is this serious ? I'm 29

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer: I am not concerned... Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. Calcified pineal gland is a normal finding in many people, and there is no treatment necessary for that. I hope my reply has helped you. I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 hours later)

Would the gland appear prominent due to the calcifications? Im attaching the report

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: My reply is below. Detailed Answer: Thank you for getting back. I have noted the CT film as well as the MRI findings. I agree that the amount of calcium is more than what would normally be seen in a pineal gland, however, the chance of this being due to tumor is very less. At this stage, no action is necessary. A follow up scan may be done after six months, to look for any increase in the size of lesion. I hope it helps. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (26 minutes later)

What would cause the gland to have excessive calcium ? Is this serious? Im afraid its a tumor .

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: My reply is below. Detailed Answer: Thank you for getting back. The calcium is there in the blood, and as the blood flows through the gland, some of it gets deposited in the gland over a period of time. Generally, in a tumor, we do not find calcium, and the gland itself would be enlarged, so, to me, it does not look like a tumor. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (47 minutes later)

Is this common ? Will this cause me problems in the future ? I also have hyperprolactinemia for more than 5 years. Is this related ?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: My reply is below. Detailed Answer: Yes, I see people with pineal gland calcification commonly. It would not cause any problems in the future. Hyperprolactinemia is not related to pineal gland. Prolactin hormone is secreted from the pituitary gland. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (13 hours later)

I have a relatively large calcified non obstructing kidney stone. So does my father. Is there a correlation between that and the calcified pineal gland ? If so is this dietary? What can i do ?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer: My reply is below. Detailed Answer: Thank you for getting back. No, there is no relation between kidney stone and calcified pineal gland. Also, it is not related to a specific diet. Calcified pineal gland is a normal finding, and no action (medical or dietary) is needed at present. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar