Spontaneous Resolution of Dorsal Midbrain Syndrome Caused by a Pineal Cyst.

BACKGROUND: Pineal lesions are common causes of dorsal midbrain syndrome and typically require surgical intervention in symptomatic patients. We describe a unique case of spontaneous resolution of dorsal midbrain syndrome resulting from a pineal gland cyst.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 23-year-old woman developed a supranuclear upgaze palsy, convergence-retraction nystagmus, and light-near dissociation from a pineal gland cyst (1.0 × 1.3 × 1.2 cm) with mild mass effect on the posterior surface of the tectum. Seven days after symptom onset, she had complete, spontaneous resolution of her symptoms, and examination returned to normal. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an unchanged pineal cyst with new T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity along the mesial surface of the left thalamus.

CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal midbrain syndrome resulting from a pineal cyst may spontaneously improve even without a significant change in lesion size. This suggests that observation may be an appropriate initial management strategy.