Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a major cause of cerebral palsy (CP) in children surviving preterm birth. Despite ultrasonographic screening in the first weeks of life, PVL diagnosis can be easily overlooked. Positive rolandic sharp waves (PRSW) on EEG have been previously correlated with the occurrence of CP. The objective of this prospective study was to determine the specificity and the sensitivity of PRSW for the diagnosis of PVL and according to the degree of immaturity.

Methods: We have undertaken a prospective case series study on a population of 609 infants born before 31 completed weeks' gestation between January 1993 and December 1996 and surviving at least 5 days. The total population was divided into two groups; infants born before 27 weeks' gestation (group 1, n=165) and those born between 28 and 31 weeks' (group 2, n=444). All neonates were routinely examined by ultrasound scanning and EEG recordings were performed at least weekly. Non cystic PVL suspected with ultrasound scanning (persistance of flares during at least 21 days) were confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (gliosis scars).

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