Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
07:36

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Infant subcortical cystic leucomalacia: a distinct pathological entity resulting from impaired fluid handling

Waney Squier1, Topun Austin, Philip Anslow

  • 1Department of Neuropathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom. waney.squier@clneuro.ox.ac.uk

Early Human Development
|April 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Subcortical cystic leucomalacia in infants results from fluid accumulation, not tissue necrosis. This age-related condition in the white matter may stem from immature fluid handling pathways following hypoxic-ischaemic injury.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal neurology
  • Pediatric pathology
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders

Background:

  • Infants' subcortical white matter is susceptible to fluid accumulation and cystic changes in early life.
  • This condition is often attributed to hypoxic-ischaemic injury (HII) and grouped with periventricular leucomalacia (PVL).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the sequential tissue changes in infant subcortical cystic leucomalacia.
  • To differentiate this condition from other white matter diseases to understand its pathogenesis and etiology.

Main Methods:

  • Examined frontal lobe tissue samples from infants who died after global HII.
  • Correlated pathological changes with survival times (2 hours to 13 days) post-collapse.

Main Results:

  • Subcortical white matter showed increasing edema with survival time after HII.
  • Cysts appeared by day one, peaking after five days, and resulted from fluid accumulation, distinct from PVL's necrosis.
  • No cellular responses were associated with cyst formation.

Conclusions:

  • Subcortical leucomalacia arises from fluid accumulation, not tissue necrosis.
  • Age-related predisposition may involve immature fluid handling pathways.
  • Pathogenesis and etiology warrant further investigation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection02:30

Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection

Published on: May 23, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Lysosomal Hydrolases01:22

Lysosomal Hydrolases

Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...