Radiologic Features of Pediatric Thalamic and Hypothalamic Tumors

Abstract

A variety of histologic subtypes of tumor may affect the thalamus and the hypothalamus in the pediatric population. These tumors have radiologic features that are useful in predicting pathology. We discuss the radiologic findings of childhood thalamic and hypothalamic tumors and provide imaging examples.

Diencephalic and Other Deep Brain Tumors

“…On T1WI GBM appears with low or mixed signal intensity, while on T2WI, the recognition of central necrosis is more distinct, showing heterogeneous intensity and degraded blood products, while peripheral areas exhibit relatively low signal intensity (high cellularity). 28 On postcontrast T1WI strong and inhomogeneous enhancement is seen ( Figure 6). 24 Despite its circumscribed appearance, thalamic GBM may have small finger-like marginal extensions that represent their tendency to infiltrate adjacent tissues or spread more diffusely, producing intraventricular and craniospinal leptomeningeal CSF seeding.…”

“…[20][21][22]24,43 The solid portions of the tumor are often hyperdense on CT and relatively hypointense on T2WI, because of their high cellularity and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio. 28 Contrast material administration is also useful in demonstrating the presence of leptomeningeal tumor implants, which are common in PNETs. 19,20,67 Enhancement is usually diffuse and heterogeneous ( Figure 13).…”