Virchow-Robin space
Pronunciation: VEER-koh ROH-bin
Perivascular space surrounding penetrating cerebral vessels, often enlarged in aging and various pathological conditions.
Full Definition
Virchow-Robin spaces are cerebrospinal fluid-filled perivascular spaces that surround penetrating arteries and arterioles as they enter the brain parenchyma from the subarachnoid space. These spaces are lined by pia mater and normally collapse around vessels. In pathological conditions such as aging, lacunar infarcts, or inflammatory diseases, these spaces become enlarged and visible on imaging. Histologically, they appear as clear spaces around vessels and should be distinguished from true cystic lesions or artifact. Their dilation can indicate cerebrovascular disease or impaired CSF drainage.
Usage
Usage note: Named eponym should be hyphenated; distinguish from artifact in tissue processing.
In Context
- "Dilated Virchow-Robin spaces were prominent in the basal ganglia, suggesting cerebral small vessel disease." — Neuropathology report
- "The pathologist distinguished enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces from true microinfarcts." — Autopsy findings