All issues > Volume 43(6); 2000

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2000;43(6):798-805. Published online June 15, 2000.

Correlation between the Grade of Brain MRI and Clinical Features of Periventricular Leukomalacia

Ju Eun JE Lee¹, Su Eun SE Park¹, Sang Ook SO Nam¹, Hak Jin HJ Kim²

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea
²Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea

Abstract

Purpose
: Periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) is associated with various neurologic sequelae such as cerebral palsy and cortical blindness. The aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between the degree of PVL on MRI and clinical features or its severity.
Methods
: Thirty-eight children with PVL on MRI among children brought to Pusan National University Hospital between January 1996 and August 1999 with development delay, cerebral palsy or epilepsy were included into the study group. We reviewed medical records of the patients including the gestational age, birth weight and neurologic sequelae. The grade for PVL was divided into 1 to 3, and it was based on abnormally increased signal intensity in periventricular white matter or a reduced amount of periventricular white matter or both, and compensatory focal ventricular enlargement. We analysed the relationship of the grade of PVL and various clinical findings.
Results
: The age ranged from 11 months to 13 years old with a mean of 42 months. History of cesarean delivery and ventilator care were significantly frequent for the severe grade of PVL. Birth weight was significantly lower according to grade of PVL. Gestational age was lower according to the grade of PVL, but was not significant statistically. Incidence of cerebral palsy was significantly higher on the severe grade of PVL. Incidence of epilepsy and mental retardation were 34.2% and 23.9%, not associated with the grade of PVL.
Conclusion
: Incidence of cerebral palsy was associated with the severe grade of PVL, so we think MRI can be helpful in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome.

Keywords :Periventricular leukomalacia, Brain MRI, Grade, Neurologic sequelae