ICD-10 P52 eMedicine radio/305 | ICD-9-CM 772.11 | |
Germinal matrix hemorrhage is a bleeding into the subependymal germinal matrix with or without subsequent rupture into the lateral ventricle.
Contents
Pathophysiology
The germinal matrix is the site of proliferating neuronal and glial precursors in the developing brain, which is located above the caudate nucleus, in the floor of the lateral ventricle, and caudothalamic groove. The germinal matrix contains a rich network of fragile thin-walled blood vessels. Hence the microcirculation in this particular area is extremely sensitive to hypoxia and changes in perfusion pressure. It is most frequent before 35 weeks gestation and is typically seen in very low birth-weight (<1500g) premature infants, because they lack the ability for auto regulation of cerebral blood flow. Consequently, increased arterial blood pressure in these blood vessels leads to rupture and hemorrhage into germinal matrix.
Clinical features
This may lead to various neurological sequelae including presentation with cerebral palsy, mental retardation and seizures.
Grades
Four grades are distinguished (by imaging or histology):
Treatment
Antenatal corticosteroids have a role in reducing incidence of germinal matrix hemorrhage in premature infants.