periventricular leukomalacia
Pronunciation: pair-ih-ven-TRIK-yoo-lar loo-koh-mah-LAY-see-ah
Also written as: PVL — periventricular leukomalacia
Brain injury in premature infants characterized by white matter damage around the ventricles, often leading to cerebral palsy.
Full Definition
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a form of brain injury that affects premature infants, characterized by necrosis and scarring of white matter around the lateral ventricles. The condition typically occurs in infants born before 32 weeks gestation due to hypoxic-ischemic injury to the developing brain. PVL is a leading cause of cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities in survivors of extreme prematurity. Diagnosis is made through cranial ultrasound or MRI, which may show cystic changes or increased echogenicity in the periventricular white matter. The condition has significant implications for long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Complex medical term requiring careful spelling. Commonly abbreviated as PVL in follow-up documentation.
In Context
- "Cranial ultrasound revealed cystic periventricular leukomalacia in the former 26-week preterm infant." — Radiology report