periventricular leukomalacia
Pronunciation: pair-ih-ven-TRIK-yuh-lar loo-koh-muh-LAY-shah
Also written as: PVL — periventricular leukomalacia
White matter brain injury in premature infants characterized by necrosis around the ventricles. Often abbreviated as PVL in medical documentation.
Full Definition
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury that affects premature infants, characterized by the death or damage of white matter tissue around the fluid-filled ventricles of the brain. This condition typically occurs due to inadequate blood flow or oxygen delivery to vulnerable white matter regions during critical developmental periods. PVL is a leading cause of cerebral palsy and cognitive impairments in preterm infants. The condition is diagnosed through neuroimaging studies and requires careful documentation in neonatal medical records. Editorial accuracy is crucial when discussing prognosis and developmental outcomes associated with this condition.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out the full term on first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Be precise about location (periventricular) as this distinguishes it from other forms of white matter injury.
In Context
- "The MRI revealed bilateral periventricular leukomalacia consistent with the patient's history of extreme prematurity." — Radiology report
- "Risk factors for periventricular leukomalacia include chorioamnionitis, prolonged rupture of membranes, and severe respiratory distress syndrome." — Clinical research paper