Which of the following is listed as a prematurity-associated diagnosis?

• A. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
• B. Brain tumor
• C. Prader-Willi syndrome
• D. Angelman syndrome

Answer: (A)

Prematurity-associated brain injury is most characteristically linked to periventricular white matter damage from the vulnerability of oligodendrocyte precursors in very preterm infants. Periventricular leukomalacia is the classic name for that injury, and it’s a well-known prematurity-related diagnosis because it occurs predominantly in babies born very early and is a leading cause of cerebral palsy in this group. Clinically, it helps explain why preterm infants often develop motor symptoms such as spasticity or movement difficulties, especially in the legs, due to the white matter injury around the ventricles.

The other options don’t share that prematurity-specific link. A brain tumor isn’t tied to being born prematurely and can occur across ages and conditions. Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome are genetic imprinting disorders with distinct etiologies and presentations, not injuries related to prematurity. So, the correct choice is periventricular leukomalacia.