Diagnosis of lenticulostriate vasculopathy – past, present and the future

Abstract

Aim. The paper represents a review of the current state of knowledge regarding lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV) in premature and term neonates. Material and method. There are reviewed the definition, the history of this diagnosis, the epidemiology, the anatomy of the vessels the etiology and the methods of diagnosis. Results. LSV is defined as the bright hyperechoic blood vessels in the region of the thalamus and basal ganglia. It was first described in 1960. The incidence is 0.3-2% of live births. The etiology is infectious (congenital rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma, or other chronic intrauterine infections), hypoxic-ischemic, and in many cases idiopathic (without a clear cause). The diagnosis is mainly done by ultrasonography – the are also proposed classification systems based on the number of vessels affected and/or the echogenicity of the vessels involved. Conclusion. LSV represents a pathology recognized for a long time, in the past, it was considered mainly associated with chronic intrauterine infections, at present, it is more and more seen as a consequence of perinatal hypoxic events. Further large follow-up studies are needed in order to better characterize the etiology and prognosis of this pathologic condition.