Variations in Interthalamic Adhesion with Age and Gender in Human Cadaveric Brains and Magnetic Resonance Images

Abstract Background: Interthalamic adhesion (ITA), a variable structure connecting the thalami, has not been extensively studied in terms of clinical significance. Variations in ITA size, shape, and presence have been linked to gender and age, but comprehensive data on these relationships are lacking. Combining cadaveric studies with radiological investigations may clarify these anatomical variations and their potential clinical implications. Understanding the relationship between ITA characteristics, age, and gender could offer valuable insights into its role in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to investigate relationship between ITA dimensions and demographic factors such as age and gender in human brains. Methodology: We conducted a comparative study where 100 brains were examined (50 cadaveric specimens and 50 magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] images) in the midsagittal plane to identify gender- and age-related differences in ITA morphometrics. Statistical analysis was done using Spearman’s correlation coefficients and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Horizontal diameter (HD) and vertical diameter (VD) scores were significantly greater in younger individuals (under 50 years old) compared to older individuals (over 50 years old) ( P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). ITA dimensions (both HD and VD) were generally larger in females than in males, but the sexual dimorphism in HD was not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found between ITA measurements obtained through MRI and those from cadaveric specimens, indicating consistency between the two methods. Conclusions: The study suggests gender- and age-related differences in ITA, which may be associated with neurological disorders. Further research with larger sample sizes and advanced imaging techniques is needed to fully understand these differences and their clinical relevance.