Neonatal periventricular leukomalacia preceded by fetal periventricular echodensity.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this prospective study is to verify whether fetal periventricular echodensity (PVE) precedes neonatal periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).


METHODS
Fetal brains were studied with transvaginal scan in 63 high-risk fetuses from 17 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, PVE echogenicity was quantified with ultrasonic histogram, and neonatal brains and clinical courses were studied after birth.


RESULTS
No fetal cystic PVL was found, instead, fetal PVE was detected in 42 fetuses. The quantified echogenicity value was higher in PVE than in normal brain. Four cases developed neonatal PVL among 28 preterm and 1 among 14 term births. Neonatal PVL developed in the 23 cases of persistent fetal PVE, whereas no neonatal PVL was found when fetal PVE was negative or disappeared. Cord compression signs were common in PVL cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Neonatal PVL was preceded by antepartum persistent fetal PVE in the present study.
Yamamoto
N
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Utsu
M
M
Serizawa
M
M
Ohki
S
S
Murakoshi
T
T
Seguchi
M
M
Iwase
K
K
Maeda
K
K
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000209:etiology; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology*; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007969:Leukomalacia, Periventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D006831:Polyhydramnios; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography