Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Lall N, Shaggah M, Bell D, et al. Bilateral thalamic glioma. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Mar 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-61683
Bilateral thalamic gliomas are rare but characteristic low-grade astrocytomas that occur in both children and young adults.
Presentation may vary with age. Young children with bilateral thalamic glioma often have signs of increased intracranial pressure and movement disorders, while older children and adults often experience mental deterioration with behavioral impairment such as personality changes or dementia.
It is a type of low-grade astrocytoma (World Health Organizatiοn grade II).
CT and MRI typically show expansion of both thalami. While often symmetric, the involvement can also be asymmetric. Tumors may spread to involve the striatum. Depending on the degree of mass-effect, there may be accompanying hydrocephalus.
MRI
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T2/FLAIR: hyperintense
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T1: isointense
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DWI: no diffusion restriction
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T1 C+ (Gd): no post-contrast enhancement
Treatment and prognosis
Because of the deep location of the lesions, prognosis is very poor despite therapy.
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