Open AccessGiant tumefactive perivascular spaces: A further case
Author(s) -
Senthilkumar Sankararaman,
Sujithra Velayuthan,
Sudheer Ambekar,
Eduardo González-Toledo
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of pediatric neurosciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.247
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 1998-3948
pISSN - 1817-1745
DOI - 10.4103/1817-1745.117837
Subject(s) - pathognomonic , medicine , perivascular space , asymptomatic , computed tomography , radiology , pathology , disease
Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS) or the perivascular spaces are small pial lined, cystic structures in the brain and are filled with interstitial fluid. They are normal spaces, identified in all age groups and are common in places where the penetrating vessels enter into the substance of brain. Occasionally, these spaces can be enlarged and are termed as giant tumefactive perivascular spaces (GTPVS). When enlarged, these cysts are commonly confused with other lesions such as cystic neoplasms. The pathognomonic imaging appearance helps in the diagnosis of this condition in most instances and invasive management is unwarranted. We report a 4-year-old male with GTPVS. In our patient, GTPVS were diagnosed incidentally on brain imaging ordered for a head trauma and he was managed conservatively. During 1-year follow-up, he remained asymptomatic and the size of the cysts was virtually unchanged.