Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the involvement of central visual pathways in cases of periventricular leukomalacia, and to correlate the neuroradiologic findings with the degree of visual acuity. METHODS: The MR brain examinations of 27 preterm children affected by cerebral palsy resulting from periventricular leukomalacia and without significant ophthalmologic lesions were reviewed retrospectively to search for possible involvement of the optic radiations and/or of the calcarine cortex. The data were compared with the degree of visual acuity estimated by means of the Teller Acuity Cards test. RESULTS: Seventeen (63%) of the 27 patients had cerebral visual impairment, which correlated strongly with ME lesions. Quantitative reduction and signal hyperintensity of the peritrigonal white matter and atrophy of the calcarine cortex were present in the more severe cases. In two blind patients, an altered MR signal was detected in the lateral geniculate bodies. CONCLUSION: This study clearly establishes a relationship between specific MR findings and visual impairment in children with periventricular leukomalacia. The finding of hyperintensity in the lateral geniculate bodies was interpreted as an axonal reaction. MR imaging is useful for detecting potential visual impairment and for improving clinical diagnosis.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 979-985 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American Journal of Neuroradiology |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1996 |
Keywords
- Brain, magnetic resonance
- Pediatric neuroradiology
- Periventricular leukomalacia
- Vision
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Radiological and Ultrasound Technology