Background: The aim of the present study was to describe the neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of preterm infants with periventricular leukomalacia and mild neurological disability.
Methods: MRI findings at term equivalent were retrospectively investigated in eight preterm infants with mild disability and periventricular leukomalacia diagnosed on MRI in infancy.
Results: Linear, spotted, or macular areas of hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging and hypointensity on T2-weighted imaging were identified in all subjects in the white matter lateral to the body of the lateral ventricle. No cystic lesions were seen. These findings were more widespread and more clearly visualized on T2-weighted imaging than T1-weighted imaging.
Conclusions: Linear, spotted, or macular lesions that are hyperintense on T1-weighted imaging and hypointense on T2-weighted imaging are possibly compatible with periventricular leukomalacia.