Periventricular Leukomalacia is the necrosis of the white matter within the brain which is caused by lack of oxygen to the tissue. It can also be cause by a brain hemorrhage that has moved into the brain tissue. In the area where the white matter dies is filled with cerebral spinal fluid. One indicator of PVL on MRI or CT images would be unilateral enlarged ventricles. PVL is a disorder that is mostly prevalent in premature babies born 30 weeks gestational age or earlier with immature lungs that need support from a mechanical ventilator. It is estimated that between 4-26% of premature infants will develop PVL.The exact cause of PVL is unknown and patients do not usually show symptoms. If they do show symptoms, they can include apnea
and bradycardia. Newborn with PVL are at a much higher risk of develop Cerebral Palsy. The images below are MRI
images of an eighteen month old baby with PVL. MRI is not used to diagnose PVL however, it is
useful to follow up with previously diagnosed patients or older patients who have gone undiagnosed. Ultrasound is the modality used for initial evaluation.
and bradycardia. Newborn with PVL are at a much higher risk of develop Cerebral Palsy. The images below are MRI 
images of an eighteen month old baby with PVL. MRI is not used to diagnose PVL however, it is 
useful to follow up with previously diagnosed patients or older patients who have gone undiagnosed. Ultrasound is the modality used for initial evaluation.
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