INTRODUCTION: The Virchow-Robin spaces (V-R spaces) are well-known, but not systematically understood fluid-filled perivascular spaces that allow the convexity and basal perforating vessels to penetrate deep into the cerebral parenchyma. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to delineate anatomical characteristics of the normal V-R spaces by MR imaging with considerations on clinical and anatomofunctional implications of the V-R spaces. METHODS: In this prospective study with 3T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the whole extent of the intracranial V-R spaces was classified into basal, cortical, subcortical, paraventricular, and brainstem segments, on the basis of the topological difference in 105 control subjects. Morphological characteristics in each segment of the V-R spaces are described. For comparison with the neuroimaging appearance, V-R spaces were histologically examined in cadaveric human brains. The physiological functions of the V-R spaces and pathognomonic implications of unusually dilated, but asymptomatic, V-R spaces encountered in five subjects are discussed. RESULTS: The V-R spaces were found to form a complicated, while anatomically highly consistent, intraparenchymal canal network distributed over the whole cerebral hemispheres and connect the cerebral convexity, basal cistern, and ventricular system. CONCLUSION: The V-R spaces may be essential for drainage routes of cerebral metabolites, additional buoyancy for the brain, and maintenance of homogenous intracranial pressure. MR imaging may be more advantageous in depicting the V-R spaces than histological examination.
INTRODUCTION: The Virchow-Robin spaces (V-R spaces) are well-known, but not systematically understood fluid-filled perivascular spaces that allow the convexity and basal perforating vessels to penetrate deep into the cerebral parenchyma. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to delineate anatomical characteristics of the normal V-R spaces by MR imaging with considerations on clinical and anatomofunctional implications of the V-R spaces. METHODS: In this prospective study with 3T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the whole extent of the intracranial V-R spaces was classified into basal, cortical, subcortical, paraventricular, and brainstem segments, on the basis of the topological difference in 105 control subjects. Morphological characteristics in each segment of the V-R spaces are described. For comparison with the neuroimaging appearance, V-R spaces were histologically examined in cadaveric human brains. The physiological functions of the V-R spaces and pathognomonic implications of unusually dilated, but asymptomatic, V-R spaces encountered in five subjects are discussed. RESULTS: The V-R spaces were found to form a complicated, while anatomically highly consistent, intraparenchymal canal network distributed over the whole cerebral hemispheres and connect the cerebral convexity, basal cistern, and ventricular system. CONCLUSION: The V-R spaces may be essential for drainage routes of cerebral metabolites, additional buoyancy for the brain, and maintenance of homogenous intracranial pressure. MR imaging may be more advantageous in depicting the V-R spaces than histological examination.
Authors: Y-C Zhu; C Dufouil; B Mazoyer; A Soumaré; F Ricolfi; C Tzourio; H Chabriat Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2011-02-24 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Cristina E Papayannis; Patricia Saidon; Carlos A Rugilo; Diego Hess; Gabriel Rodriguez; Roberto E P Sica; Raul C Rey Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2003-08 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Sui-To Wong; Gregory Moes; Kimberly Ernest; John Zovickian; John Y H Kim; Dachling Pang Journal: Childs Nerv Syst Date: 2014-03-19 Impact factor: 1.475
Authors: Carlo Cosimo Quattrocchi; Yuri Errante; Maria Camilla Rossi Espagnet; Stefania Galassi; Sabino Walter Della Sala; Bruno Bernardi; Giuseppe Fariello; Daniela Longo Journal: World J Radiol Date: 2016-01-28