Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Virchow-Robin space
Pronunciation: VEER-khov ROH-bin
Perivascular spaces surrounding blood vessels as they penetrate brain parenchyma.
Full Definition
Virchow-Robin spaces are fluid-filled cavities that surround blood vessels as they enter the brain parenchyma from the subarachnoid space. These spaces are lined by pia mater and filled with cerebrospinal fluid, serving as part of the brain's glymphatic drainage system. Enlargement of these spaces can occur with aging, small vessel disease, or increased intracranial pressure, and they may become sites of inflammatory cell infiltration in certain pathological conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Rudolf Virchow and Charles-Philippe Robin; hyphenate the eponym.
In Context
- "Dilated Virchow-Robin spaces were noted in the basal ganglia on MRI." — Neuroimaging report
- "Lymphocytic infiltration was observed within enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces." — Multiple sclerosis case
Also known as
perivascular space
VRS
Don't confuse with
perineuronal space
subarachnoid space