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Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Correlative value of magnetic resonance imaging for neurodevelopmental outcome in periventricular leukomalacia
Gul Serdaroglu1, Hasan Tekgul, Omer Kitis
1Department of Paediatrics, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey. gul@med.ege.edu.tr
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in children correlates with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Higher PVL grades indicate poorer motor, visual, and cognitive function, with associated brain abnormalities worsening prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a common cause of neurological impairment in preterm infants.
- Early identification of neurodevelopmental risks associated with PVL is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in children with PVL and their neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- To assess the prognostic value of different PVL grades and associated brain abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective reevaluation of MRI scans from 89 children diagnosed with PVL.
- Classification of PVL into four grades (I-IV) based on lesion severity and ventricular involvement.
- Correlation of PVL grades and specific brain abnormalities with cerebral palsy, motor function, visual function, and developmental test results.
Main Results:
- Cerebral palsy was more frequent in higher PVL grades (III-IV) compared to lower grades (I-II).
- Motor function impairment and visual and developmental delays were significantly associated with higher PVL grades (especially grade IV).
- Thinning of the corpus callosum and cortical atrophy correlated with poorer neurological outcomes.
Conclusions:
- MRI-based grading of PVL provides valuable prognostic information regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
- PVL severity, corpus callosum thinning, and cortical atrophy are key indicators for predicting developmental trajectories.
- Asphyxia at birth, extensive PVL, corpus callosum thinning, and cortical atrophy are significant risk factors for developmental delay.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlative value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) for neurodevelopmental outcome. MRI examinations of 89 children (46 males, 43 females) with PVL (median age 4y, range 1 to 14y) were reevaluated. PVL was graded as follows: grade I, unilateral or bilateral areas of periventricular hyperintensity (1-3); grade II, hyperintensity more than 3; grade III, hyperintense lesions more than 3 and ventricular wall irregularity; grade IV, diffuse PVL and ventricular dilatation. Localizations of PVL and brain abnormalities associated with PVL were also noted. Assignment to PVL grades on MRI was as follows: PVL I (n=22), PVL II (n=18), PVL III (n=30), and PVL IV (n=19). Cerebral palsy was slightly less common in children with PVL I and II compared with PVL III to IV. Motor function was normal in 50% of children with PVL grade I, but severely impaired in 73.7% of children with PVL grade IV. Results of visual function were normal in all with PVL I, but pathological in 42.1% of patients with PVL IV. Developmental tests were appropriate for age in 75% of patients with PVL I, but significantly delayed in all patients with PVL IV. Thinning of the corpus callosum and presence of cortical atrophy were also correlated with neurological outcome. Significant risk factors associated with developmental delay were asphyxia at birth (odds ratio [OR] 4.3), PVL localization numbers over 3 (OR 4.4), PVL III to IV (OR 15), thinning of corpus callosum, and cortical atrophy.
