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Periventricular leukomalacia

Periventricular leukomalacia

Overview

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury. PVL actually represent small "holes" in the brain due to the death of small areas of brain tissue around the normal fluid-filled cavities of the brain. PVL is frequently associated with the development of neurological and developmental problems in growing babies, usually during the first to second year of life.

Review Date 12/31/2023

Updated by: Mary J. Terrell, MD, IBCLC, Neonatologist, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.