Investigating inter-thalamic adhesion in cadavers: Anatomical insights and radiological correlations

Background: The significance of Inter Thalamic Adhesion (ITA) has often been minimized due to its inconsistent presence and seemingly negligible functional relevance. Recent technological advancements in neuroimaging, however, have reignited interest in this anatomical feature, suggesting that its potential may be more complex than previously understood. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence, morphology, and dimensions of the ITA in brains of people from North Karnataka. Material and Methods: A total of 100 brains (including 50 cadaveric specimens and 50 MRI scans) were examined in the midsagittal plane to detect the presence or absence of ITAs, as well as their location on the lateral wall of the third ventricle and their size. Results: The ITA was present in 90% of the samples. Out of the total sample, 38 brains were from female individuals, with an ITA absence observed in only 2 cases (5.2%). In the male group, comprising 62 brains, 8 individuals (12.9%) lacked an ITA. Oval shape was the most common (52 cases), followed by elliptical (33 cases) shape. The majority of ITAs (54 cases) were primarily located in the anterosuperior quadrant, often extending into the posterosuperior quadrant. Individuals younger than 50 years old exhibited significantly larger horizontal (p = 0.001) and vertical diameter (p = 0.002) measurements compared to those aged 50 and above. Conclusion: The absence and duplication of the ITA are quite frequent occurrences in brains of North Karnataka people. Evidence from morphometric data supports the concept that ITA's size changes with age. Future research should continue to explore the ITA's functional roles and its implications for neurological health and disease.