Periventricular leukomalacia

Alternative Names

Definition

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury in which small areas of brain tissue around fluid-filled areas (ventricles) of the brain die. The tissue death creates "holes" in the brain.

PVL is frequently associated with neurological and developmental problems in growing babies, usually during the first to second year of life.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

PVL is much more common in preterm infants than in term newborns. A major cause is thought to be poor blood flow to the area around the ventricles of the brain, which is fragile and prone to injury. Infection around the time of delivery may also play a role in causing PVL. The more premature your baby is, and the sicker your baby is, the higher the risk for PVL.

Signs and tests

Tests used to diagnose PVL include:

• Ultrasound of the head
• MRI of the head

Treatment

There is no treatment for PVL. The baby's heart, lung, intestine, and kidney functions will be monitored and treated so they remain as normal as possible.

Expectations (prognosis)

Babies with PVL are at risk for significant neurological problems, especially those that involve movements such as sitting, crawling, walking, and moving the arms. Patients may need physical therapy. A baby diagnosed with PVL should be monitored by a developmental pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist, in addition to the child's regular pediatrician.