enhancing lesion
A brain abnormality that shows increased signal intensity after contrast agent administration on MRI, indicating blood-brain barrier disruption.
Full Definition
An enhancing lesion refers to an intracranial abnormality that demonstrates increased signal intensity or brightness following intravenous gadolinium contrast administration on magnetic resonance imaging. Enhancement patterns provide crucial diagnostic information, as they reflect blood-brain barrier breakdown and increased vascular permeability. Different enhancement characteristics help distinguish tumor types: rim enhancement suggests high-grade gliomas or abscesses, homogeneous enhancement indicates meningiomas or metastases, and absence of enhancement often characterizes low-grade gliomas. Enhancement patterns also guide treatment monitoring and detection of tumor progression or recurrence.
Usage
Usage note: Specify enhancement pattern (rim, nodular, homogeneous) when clinically relevant.
In Context
- "The enhancing lesion in the right temporal lobe measured 3.2 cm in greatest diameter." — MRI radiology report
- "New enhancing lesions were concerning for tumor progression or pseudoprogression." — neuro-oncology follow-up