[MRI of the pineal gland].
The pineal gland (CP) is located centrally in the brain and produces melatonin. Cysts and concrements are frequent findings on MRI but their significance is still unclear. The visualization of CP is difficult due to its location and surrounding structures and so far, no standardized method exists. New studies suggest a correlation between CP-morphology and melatonin secretion as well as a connection between melatonin, disturbed circadian rhythm, and the development of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, underlining the need for a standardized approach to CP on MRI.
Line
L
Langevad
Camilla Gøbel
CG
Madsen
Hartwig
H
Siebner
MR-forskningssektion, Funktions- og Billed-diagnostisk Enhed, Hvidovre Hospital, Kettegård Allé 30, 2650 Hvidovre. elleng@drcmr.dk.
Ellen
E
Garde
D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D003560:Cysts / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology
D008550:Melatonin