Assessment of Prevalence and Morphometrics of Pineal Gland Calcification and Its Association with Age and Gender in a North Karnataka Population: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study
Veena B. Pujari, Raju R. Naik, Kirty R. Nandimath, Venkatesh G. NaikmasurAbstract
Background:
Pineal gland calcification (PGC) is a common incidental intracranial finding identified on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Knowledge of its prevalence and dimensions may aid radiographic interpretation.
Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence, anteroposterior and lateral dimensions of PGC on CBCT and assess their association with age and gender.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed 301 CBCT scans of patients aged 13–85 years with adequate pineal gland (PG) visualization. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20.0, with significance set at
Results:
PGC was identified in 150 of 301 scans (49.8%; 95% CI: 44.2–55.5%). No significant association was observed between age or gender and the presence, multiplicity, or dimensions of PGC, although prevalence was higher in individuals aged ≥60 years. A weak but statistically significant correlation was found between age and anteroposterior dimension, whereas no significant correlation was observed with lateral dimension.
Conclusion:
PGC was not significantly associated with age or gender. However, age correlated with anteroposterior dimension. These findings provide regional CBCT-based data on PGC, highlighting the importance of recognizing incidental PGC during radiographic interpretation.