periventricular leukomalacia
Pronunciation: pair-ih-ven-TRIK-yoo-lar loo-koh-mah-LAY-see-ah
Pattern of white matter injury in premature infants characterized by necrosis and cystic degeneration around lateral ventricles.
Full Definition
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a form of brain injury predominantly affecting premature infants, characterized by necrosis of white matter adjacent to the lateral ventricles. This condition results from hypoxic-ischemic injury to the immature oligodendrocytes responsible for myelination. The pathological changes include coagulation necrosis in acute stages, followed by cystic degeneration and gliosis in chronic phases. PVL typically affects the periventricular white matter zones that are watershed areas with poor vascularization in the developing brain. The condition can lead to cerebral palsy, particularly spastic diplegia, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as PVL; specify acute versus chronic changes.
In Context
- "The autopsy revealed extensive periventricular leukomalacia with bilateral cystic changes." — Premature infant autopsy
- "Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of PVL with reactive gliosis." — Perinatal brain injury assessment