cortical lesions
Demyelinating lesions affecting the cerebral cortex that are increasingly recognized in multiple sclerosis.
Full Definition
Cortical lesions are areas of demyelination and tissue damage that occur within the cerebral cortex, representing a significant component of multiple sclerosis pathology that was historically underappreciated due to technical limitations in MRI detection. These lesions can be purely intracortical, leukocortical (spanning gray and white matter), or subpial (affecting the outer cortical layers). Cortical lesions are associated with cognitive impairment, epilepsy, and physical disability in MS patients. Advanced MRI techniques, including high-field imaging and specialized sequences, have improved the ability to detect these lesions, leading to better understanding of their clinical significance and relationship to disease progression.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from juxtacortical lesions; specify cortical layer involvement when known.
In Context
- "High-resolution MRI revealed multiple cortical lesions that were not visible on standard sequences." — Neuroimaging report
- "Cortical lesion burden correlated with cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis patients." — Clinical research study