periventricular leukomalacia
Pronunciation: per-ee-ven-TRIK-yoo-lar loo-ko-mah-LAY-see-ah
Also written as: PVL — Periventricular leukomalacia
Brain injury affecting white matter around the ventricles, commonly seen in premature infants and associated with cerebral palsy.
Full Definition
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a form of brain injury that affects the white matter surrounding the lateral ventricles, primarily occurring in premature infants. The condition results from ischemia and inflammation in the vulnerable periventricular white matter, leading to necrosis and cyst formation. PVL is a major cause of cerebral palsy, particularly spastic diplegia, and can also result in intellectual disability and visual impairments. Risk factors include prematurity, low birth weight, infections, and episodes of hypotension or hypoxemia in the neonatal period.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as PVL; primarily affects premature infants; major cause of cerebral palsy.
In Context
- "Cranial ultrasound revealed cystic periventricular leukomalacia in the premature infant." — NICU progress note
- "The child's spastic diplegia was attributed to periventricular leukomalacia sustained as a premature infant." — Cerebral palsy clinic evaluation