Periventricular Leukomalacia

Signs and Symptoms

Typically, babies with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) do not display any obvious symptoms while they are still newborns.

Diagnosis

Premature babies who are at a risk of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) usually have a head ultrasound performed four to eight weeks after birth, at the time when PVL becomes detectable. Cysts may develop as a result of PVL and can be detected on an ultrasound. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your baby's brain also may be performed.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments for periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) at this time. However, current research focuses on why PVL occurs and how to prevent it.