Intermediate
Technical
IVT
lesion load
Quantitative measure of total disease burden based on lesion volume or count in neuroimaging studies.
Full Definition
Lesion load represents the cumulative disease burden quantified through either total lesion volume or lesion count across the brain in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or white matter disease. This metric serves as an important biomarker for disease progression monitoring, treatment response assessment, and clinical trial endpoints. Standardized measurement protocols ensure reproducibility across different imaging centers and time points.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from lesion activity, which refers to new or enhancing lesions rather than total burden.
In Context
- "T2 lesion load increased by 15% over the 12-month follow-up period." — Longitudinal study report
- "Baseline lesion load correlated with disability progression in MS patients." — Clinical research paper
Also known as
lesion burden
total lesion volume
Don't confuse with
lesion enhancement
lesion activity