periventricular leukomalacia

Full Definition

A form of brain injury affecting the white matter around the lateral ventricles, most commonly occurring in premature infants due to hypoxic-ischemic events or infection. The condition involves necrosis and subsequent cystic degeneration of the periventricular white matter, often leading to cerebral palsy, particularly spastic diplegia. PVL is a major cause of neurological morbidity in surviving preterm infants and can be detected through cranial ultrasound or MRI imaging.

Usage

Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as PVL in clinical documentation.

In Context

• "Cranial ultrasound revealed periventricular leukomalacia with cystic changes." — Neonatal imaging report
• "The child's spastic diplegia was attributed to periventricular leukomalacia sustained during the neonatal period." — Developmental pediatrics consultation