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Periventricular Leukomalacia - Oren Zarif - Periventricular Leukomalacia


The term "periventricular leukomalacia" describes the damage of white matter in the brain caused during or before birth. This damage affects the nerve cells that carry signals to the rest of the body. As a result, a baby with PVL can have stiff, tight muscles and be at risk for cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Treatment for this condition focuses on improving the quality of life.

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There are several risk factors for this condition. A premature baby's lungs cannot regulate blood flow properly. Because of this, he or she may have hemorrhaging. Insufficient blood may also damage the white matter. The eyes and spine may also be affected, depending on the source of the injury. The presence of acidosis and a lack of carbon dioxide in the blood are two other causes of periventricular leukomalacia.

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Premature infants are at an increased risk of developing periventricular leukomalacia. Up to 26% of premature infants will develop some form of the disorder. The most serious form of PVL can cause death. Premature babies may need special care even after discharge from the hospital. It is best to seek medical advice and have your child evaluated by a pediatrician as early as possible.

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The condition is a complication of ischemic injury in the white matter of the brain. It results in the formation of periventricular cysts and cavitation of the white matter. This condition is the most common cause of white matter injury in premature infants and corresponds to a continuum of disease called subcortical leukomalacia. The symptoms of PVL may range from cerebral palsy to visual disturbances.

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Although the symptoms of periventricular leukomalacia vary from case to case, some babies may not exhibit any symptoms and can develop the disorder months after birth. One common symptom is cerebral palsy, which causes stiffness of the muscles of the legs and can lead to developmental problems and learning disabilities. Other symptoms of periventricular leukomalacia include visual dysfunction, hearing impairment, and spastic diplegia.

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The diagnosis of periventricular leukomalacia requires a comprehensive review of the child's medical history. A physical examination will determine whether further tests are necessary. Diagnostic procedures collect images of brain tissue and spinal cord. MRI, cranial ultrasound, and CT are common tests used for PVL. If any of these are found, the diagnosis is made. The diagnosis will depend on the patient's underlying condition and the child's age.

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Until there is a definitive diagnosis of PVL, cysts must form within two to six weeks after an injury. Cysts can be seen on sonograms as localized lesions. As a result of progressive necrosis of the periventricular WM, the ventricles enlarge. Eventually, the disease progresses to a stage known as end-stage PVL, which includes loss of the periventricular white matter and thinning of the corpus callosum.

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Although there are no known causes of PVL, it is thought to occur when brain tissue receives insufficient blood during birth. It may be present during the birth process or months after. Most children who have PVL are preterm and are prone to infection and premature delivery. Further, intraventricular hemorrhage increases the risk of PVL. In addition, a child's age at birth also increases the risk of PVL.

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