Intermediate
Technical
IVT
gliosis
The proliferation and activation of glial cells in response to central nervous system injury or disease.
Full Definition
Gliosis is a non-specific reactive change in the central nervous system characterized by the proliferation, hypertrophy, and increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by astrocytes. This process occurs in response to various forms of CNS injury, including trauma, infection, ischemia, and neurodegeneration. Gliosis can be focal or diffuse and is visible on MRI as areas of increased signal intensity on FLAIR sequences.
Usage
Usage note: Appears as hyperintense lesions on FLAIR MRI sequences.
In Context
- "MRI showed extensive gliosis in the periventricular white matter." — Radiology report
- "Chronic gliosis was evident in areas of previous infarction." — Pathology report
Also known as
astrogliosis
glial scarring
Don't confuse with
demyelination
edema
inflammation