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 leukom alacia (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 cou rses were studied after birth. Results: No fetal cystic PVL was found, inst ead, fetal PVE was detected in 42 fetuses. The quantified echogenicity valu e 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 f etal PVE was negative or disappeared. Cord compression signs were common in PVL cases. Conclusion: Neonatal PVL was preceded by antepartum persistent fetal PVE in the present study. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG,Basel.