title: The Virchow-Robin spaces: delineation by magnetic resonance imaging with considerations on anatomofunctional implications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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: Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, 2-1-1 Tomioka, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0021, Japan. shotaro@juntendo-urayasu.jp
authors: Satoshi
authors: S
authors: Tsutsumi
authors: Masanori
authors: M
authors: Ito
authors: Yukimasa
authors: Y
authors: Yasumoto
authors: Takashi
authors: T
authors: Tabuchi
authors: Ikuko
authors: I
authors: Ogino
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000473:pathology; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult