Thalamus

The thalamus is a large nuclear complex consisting of numerous individual nuclei and is one of the most important structures in the diencephalon.

Anatomy

• The thalamus is part of the Diencephalon and is located in the dorsal lateral wall of the third ventricle and forms part of the floor of the lateral ventricle. Laterally, the thalamus borders the Capsula interna. The thalamus can be divided into numerous nuclear groups, the nuclei thalami, which are either incorporated into ascending sensorimotor pathways to the cortex or form part of subcortical regulatory circuits[^1].

Thalamic lesions

Astrocytomas are the most common tumors in the thalamic region in both adults and children[^2]. The following non-neoplastic lesions may occur in the thalamus[^2]:

• Cavernous angioma

• Granuloma

• Arteriovenous malformation

• Hemorrhagic or ischemic infarction

Thalamic tumors in adults

In adults, the following tumors most commonly occur in the thalamus[^2]:

• Anaplastic astrocytoma

• Glioblastoma

• Metastasis

• Primary CNS lymphoma

The following tumors may also occur in the thalamus, although less frequently than those listed above:

• Astrocytoma (WHO Grade II)

• Neurocytoma

• Oligodendroglioma

• Pilocytic astrocytoma

• Hamartoma

Thalamic tumors in children

In the pediatric population, the following tumors most commonly occur in the thalamus[^2]:

• Anaplastic astrocytoma

• Astrocytoma (WHO Grade II)

• Glioblastoma

• Pilocytic astrocytoma

The following tumors may also occur in the thalamus in children, although less frequently than those listed above:

• Germinoma

• Oligodendroglioma

• PNET

• Subependymal giant cell tumor