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 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.

Keywords: Birth asphyxia; Brain imaging; Congenital heart malformation; DTI; MRI; Neonate; Outcome; Preterm infants; Punctate white matter lesions.