Gray matter injury associated with periventricular leukomalacia in the premature infant

• DOI: 10.1007/s00401-007-0295-5
• Publication Date: 2007-10-02T08:43:38Z
• Authors: Christopher R. Pi...; Rebecca D. Folkerth; Saraid S. Billiards; Felicia L. Tracht...; Mark E. Drinkwater; Joseph J. Volpe; Hannah C. Kinney
• Keywords: Periventricular leukomalacia; Gliosis; Neuropathology

Neuroimaging studies indicate reduced volumes of certain gray matter regions in survivors prematurity with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). We hypothesized that subacute and/or chronic lesions are increased incidence and severity PVL cases compared to non-PVL at autopsy. Forty-one premature infants were divided based on cerebral white histology: (n = 17) gliosis focal necrosis; diffuse (DWMG) without "Negative" group 7) no abnormalities. Neuronal loss was found almost exclusively PVL, significantly the thalamus (38%), globus pallidus (33%), cerebellar dentate nucleus (29%) DWMG cases. The deep nuclei (thalamus/basal ganglia; 50-60% cases), basis pontis (100% cases). Thalamic basal ganglionic occur PVL. Gray a third or more suggesting injury generally does not isolation, term "perinatal panencephalopathy" may better describe scope neuropathology.