perivascular space
Fluid-filled spaces surrounding blood vessels in the brain, important in cerebrospinal fluid circulation and neuroinflammatory processes.
Full Definition
Also known as Virchow-Robin spaces, these are cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavities that surround blood vessels as they penetrate into brain parenchyma from the subarachnoid space. These spaces are lined by pia mater and separated from brain tissue by the glial limitans formed by astrocytic end-feet. Perivascular spaces serve as conduits for cerebrospinal fluid circulation and interstitial fluid drainage, playing crucial roles in brain waste clearance and immune surveillance. Pathological enlargement of these spaces occurs in aging, hypertension, and various neurological conditions, while inflammatory cell accumulation within perivascular spaces is characteristic of neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In neuropathological assessment, evaluation of perivascular space morphology and cellular content provides important diagnostic information about vascular and inflammatory pathology.
Usage
Usage note: May be referred to as Virchow-Robin spaces; hyphenate when used as compound modifier.
In Context
- "Enlarged perivascular spaces were observed in 78% of hypertensive patients examined." — Clinical study
- "Lymphocytic infiltration of perivascular spaces suggested an inflammatory etiology." — Histopathological report