Periventricular leukomalacia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Periventricular leukomalacia
Diagram of the brain showing the location of periventricular leukomalacia
Synonyms	PVL
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Motor control problems, cognitive impairment, vision problems
Complications	Cerebral palsy, intellectual disability
Onset	Premature birth
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Ischemia, infection, inflammation
Risks	Premature birth, intrauterine infection, hypoxia
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Intraventricular hemorrhage, cerebral palsy
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, physical therapy, occupational therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on severity
Frequency	Common in premature infants
Deaths	N/A

Degeneration of white matter near the lateral ventricles of the brain

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a form of white matter brain injury, characterized by the softening of the white matter near the ventricles. These ventricles are filled with fluid and are located in the center of the brain. The condition often affects premature infants, leading to long-term developmental delays and motor disorders.

Causes

The exact cause of PVL is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the periventricular area of the brain, which results in the death of brain tissue. This lack of oxygen or blood flow can occur before, during, or after birth. Factors that may contribute to the development of PVL include infection, inflammation, and premature birth.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PVL vary depending on the severity of the injury and the specific areas of the brain that are affected. Common symptoms include motor disorders, developmental delays, and cognitive impairments. In severe cases, children with PVL may have cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or learning disabilities.

Diagnosis

PVL is typically diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound of the brain. These imaging tests can reveal the characteristic softening and cystic degeneration of the white matter near the ventricles.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for PVL. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and promoting the child's development and quality of life. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special education services.

Prognosis

The prognosis for children with PVL depends on the severity of the injury and the specific areas of the brain that are affected. Some children may have mild symptoms and relatively normal development, while others may have severe disabilities.

See also

• Cerebral palsy
• Premature birth
• White matter