The brain’s kryptonite: Overview of punctate white matter lesions in neonates

• Published in: International journal of developmental neuroscience Vol. 77; no. 1; pp. 77 - 88
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Annie L.A., Ding, Yang, Suffren, Sabrina, Londono, Irène, Luck, David, Lodygensky, Gregory A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Baby foods; Birth asphyxia; Brain; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - pathology; Brain imaging; Congenital defects; Congenital heart malformation; DTI; Etiology; Female; Heart; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Infant, Premature, Diseases - pathology; Infants; Lesions; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; MRI; Neonate; Neonates; Neuroimaging; Outcome; Preterm infants; Punctate white matter lesions; Substantia alba; White Matter - diagnostic imaging; White Matter - pathology; cUS; PWML; Brain imaging; SWI; MRI; PVL; Congenital heart malformation; TEA; Neonate; Outcome; DWI; Preterm infants; DTI; Punctate white matter lesions; Birth asphyxia; FA
• ISSN: 0736-5748; 1873-474X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.04.006

With increasing advances in the field of medical brain imaging, the known spectrum of white matter lesions has expanded, and we can now assess the presence of punctate white matter lesions (PWML). These focal small lesions are quite frequently detected in the preterm infant and in full-term infants with congenital heart malformations with, some studies reporting a link between these lesions and adverse long-term outcomes. The etiology of PWML has sparked a lot of questions over the years, some of which still remain unanswered. This narrative review will bring an overview of current knowledge and their significant clinical importance in the newborn brain.