Satoshi Tsutsumi1, Hideo Ono2, Yukimasa Yasumoto3. 1. Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, 2-1-1 Tomioka, Urayasu, Chiba, 279-0021, Japan. shotaro@juntendo-urayasu.jp. 2. Division of Radiological Technology, Medical Satellite Yaesu Clinic, Tokyo, Japan. 3. Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, 2-1-1 Tomioka, Urayasu, Chiba, 279-0021, Japan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The suprapineal recess (SPR) is a small, backward extension of the third ventricle. Few radiological studies have investigated the morphology of the SPR. Here, we explore the SPR with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. METHODS: A total of 124 patients underwent thin-slice MR imaging examinations with T2-weighted imaging and the constructive interference steady-state (CISS) sequence. Imaging data were transferred to a workstation for analysis. RESULTS: The pineal gland (P) was delineated in 99% of the patients on T2-weighted imaging and 100% of the patients on the CISS sequence. In contrast, the SPR was identified in 27% of the patients on T2-weighted imaging and 82% of the patients on the CISS sequence. The location of the P relative to the lowest point of the splenium was roughly classified into two types. Of them, the anterior P location was the more frequent type and observed in 73% of the patients. The angle formed by the roof and floor of the SPR showed remarkable interindividual diversity. A membranous posterior extension with variable length, spanning between the posterosuperior margin of the P and Galenic complex was found in 55% of the identified SPRs on T2-weighted imaging and 45% on the CISS sequence. CONCLUSIONS: The SPR is a distinct structure with diversity in appearance among individuals but commonly extends posterior to the P. High-resolution MR imaging is useful for delineating the SPR in vivo.
PURPOSE: The suprapineal recess (SPR) is a small, backward extension of the third ventricle. Few radiological studies have investigated the morphology of the SPR. Here, we explore the SPR with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. METHODS: A total of 124 patients underwent thin-slice MR imaging examinations with T2-weighted imaging and the constructive interference steady-state (CISS) sequence. Imaging data were transferred to a workstation for analysis. RESULTS: The pineal gland (P) was delineated in 99% of the patients on T2-weighted imaging and 100% of the patients on the CISS sequence. In contrast, the SPR was identified in 27% of the patients on T2-weighted imaging and 82% of the patients on the CISS sequence. The location of the P relative to the lowest point of the splenium was roughly classified into two types. Of them, the anterior P location was the more frequent type and observed in 73% of the patients. The angle formed by the roof and floor of the SPR showed remarkable interindividual diversity. A membranous posterior extension with variable length, spanning between the posterosuperior margin of the P and Galenic complex was found in 55% of the identified SPRs on T2-weighted imaging and 45% on the CISS sequence. CONCLUSIONS: The SPR is a distinct structure with diversity in appearance among individuals but commonly extends posterior to the P. High-resolution MR imaging is useful for delineating the SPR in vivo.
Entities:
Keywords:
MRI; Pineal gland; Pineal recess; Suprapineal recess; Third ventricle
Authors: F Schmidt; B Penka; M Trauner; L Reinsperger; G Ranner; F Ebner; F Waldhauser Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 1995-04 Impact factor: 5.958