High-Grade Thalamic Glioma: Case Report with Literature Review

Abstract

This case report delves into the case of a 56-year-old female patient presenting with progressive cephalalgia syndrome, nausea, vomiting, and gait disorders, diagnosed with a high-grade thalamic glioma. Glioma is the most common form of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm that originates from glial cells. Gliomas are diffusely infiltrative tumors that affect the surrounding brain tissue. Glioblastoma is the most malignant type, while pilocytic astrocytomas are the least malignant brain tumors. In the past, these diffuse gliomas were classified into different subtypes and grades based on histopathologies such as a diffuse astrocytoma, oligodendrogliomas, or mixed gliomas/oligoastrocytomas. Currently, gliomas are classified based on molecular and genetic markers. After the gross total resection, a postoperative brain CT scan was conducted, which confirmed the quasi-complete resection of the tumor. The successful gross total resection of the tumor in this case, coupled with significant neurological improvement postoperatively, illustrates the potential benefits of aggressive surgical management for thalamic gliomas. This report advocates for further research to assess the efficacy of such interventions in malignant cases and to establish standardized treatment protocols, considering the heterogeneity in prognostic outcomes and the advancements in molecular diagnostics that offer deeper insights into glioma oncogenesis and progression.

Keywords

• prognostic factors
• microsurgical excision
• high-grade gliomas
• neurosurgical interventions
• thalamic gliomas