Mesial temporal sclerosis
Neuronal loss and gliosis in the hippocampus, the most common pathological finding in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Full Definition
Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), also known as hippocampal sclerosis, is the most frequent histopathological finding in patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. It is characterized by neuronal cell loss and reactive gliosis primarily affecting the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, with relative sparing of the CA2 region and the dentate gyrus. MTS can be identified on high-resolution MRI as hippocampal atrophy and increased T2 signal. The condition may result from prolonged febrile seizures in childhood, trauma, or other initial precipitating injuries, and represents both a consequence and cause of seizures.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as MTS; visible on MRI as hippocampal atrophy and T2 hyperintensity.
In Context
- "MRI findings were consistent with left mesial temporal sclerosis, correlating with the seizure semiology." — Pre-surgical evaluation report
- "Histopathological examination confirmed mesial temporal sclerosis with typical neuronal loss patterns." — Surgical pathology report