Related Experiment Videos
[Cystic periventricular leukencephalomalacia]
1Klinische Abteilung für Neonatologie, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Auenbruggerplatz 30, A-8036 Graz. bernhard.resch@kfunigraz.ac.at
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|February 28, 2002
Summary
Cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is white matter damage in preterm infants, often caused by hypoxia or infection. It is a leading cause of cerebral palsy and severe neuromotor impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neonatalogy
- Pathology
Context:
- Cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) affects preterm infants, characterized by white matter necrosis near the lateral ventricles.
- Pathogenesis involves hypoxic-ischemic injury or intra-amniotic infection impacting oligodendrocytes.
Purpose:
- To review pathogenic theories, risk factors, diagnostic methods (cranial ultrasonography), and classification of cystic PVL.
- To highlight the significant neurological sequelae associated with this condition.
Summary:
- PVL involves necrosis of white matter in a specific periventricular distribution in preterm neonates.
- Etiologies include impaired cerebral perfusion and inflammatory responses from intra-amniotic infections.
- Diagnosis is primarily via cranial ultrasonography, with classification based on lesion characteristics.
Impact:
- Cystic PVL is the most severe and common cause of cerebral palsy in preterm infants.
- Associated impairments include diplegia, tetraplegia, visual deficits, seizures, hearing loss, intellectual disability, and microcephaly.