The brain's kryptonite : overview of punctate white matter lesions in neonates

Abstract

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