hippocampal sclerosis
Pronunciation: hip-oh-KAM-pal skler-OH-sis
Neuronal loss and gliosis in the hippocampus, commonly associated with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Full Definition
Hippocampal sclerosis is characterized by selective neuronal loss and astrocytic proliferation primarily affecting CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cell layers of the hippocampus. This pathological finding represents the most common cause of medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and may result from prolonged febrile seizures, hypoxia, or other early brain insults. MRI typically shows hippocampal atrophy and increased T2 signal intensity. Hippocampal sclerosis influences surgical candidacy and predicts favorable outcomes following anterior temporal lobectomy.
Usage
Usage note: Specific pathological entity distinct from general hippocampal atrophy.
In Context
- "MRI revealed left hippocampal sclerosis consistent with the patient's seizure semiology." — Presurgical epilepsy evaluation
- "Histopathological analysis confirmed hippocampal sclerosis with classical CA1 neuronal loss." — Surgical pathology report