Gliosis is defined as an increased number of glial cells in a damaged area of the central nervous system or brain.
Pathophysiology
This is the nonspecific neuropathological response to various neurological diseases. The formation of a zone of gliosis is subject to a complex multicellular process involving multiple molecular signals [^1].
Neurosurgical relevance
Smaller areas of gliosis are usually of no clinical relevance and may occur postoperatively, for example, in the area of the resection bed. Depending on their location, areas of gliosis may also serve as the origin of epileptic seizures[^2].
Imaging
Computed tomography
On CT imaging, smaller areas of gliosis typically cannot be distinguished from normal brain parenchyma. Larger gliotic defects appear hypointense on CT imaging.
MRI
On MRI imaging, a gliotic defect appears as an area with increased T2\/ FLAIR signal and mildly reduced T1 signal.