Ultrasound findings and incidence of cerebral palsy in 24 infants < 2500 g with cystic periventricular leukomalacia are reported from Nagoya City University Med School, Japan. One group (14) had symmetrical parieto-occipital cysts, and a 2nd group (10) had non-symmetrical cysts. After a mean 5 year follow-up, the incidence of CP was significantly different in the two groups; 100% in group 1 and 60% in group 2. Size and site of cysts did not predict CP. [1]
COMMENT. Symmetrical parieto-occipital cysts on ultrasound are predictive of the development of cerebral palsy in low-birth-weight infants.