Of all types of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in the neonates, germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage(GM-IVH) in the premature infant is the most common type, mainly attributed to the existence of immature germinal matrix, lt's usually lack of visible and specific symptoms and signs in the nervous system, so its early and final diagnosis depends on the imaging examine. GM-IVH can cause periventricular hemorrhagic infarction, post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, periventricular leukomalacia and the associated cerebellar hemorrhagic injury, which are critical determinants of neonatal morbidity, mortality, and neurodevelopmental outcome in the survivors. The overall aim of this article is to review the current knowledge of the cause,mechanisms, imaging diagnosis, complication, management and outcome of GM-IVH in the preterm infant.