Large anterior temporal Virchow–Robin spaces: Evaluating MRI features over the years—Our experience and literature review

Abstract

Dilated Virchow–Robin spaces (VRSs) are expansions of the normal perivascular spaces with a short axis greater than 2 mm or, according to some authors, greater than 3 mm. They are usually documented at the basal ganglia, at the convexity white matter (WM) and centrum semiovale, and at the mesencephalon. The anterior temporal WM is a recently described preferential location for large (≥5 mm) VRSs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and their modifications during a long-term follow-up period (≥24 months) of the anterior temporal VRSs with a retrospective analysis among all brain MRI studies performed at our institution between January 2010 and January 2017. In our study, the presence and the stability of characteristic MRI features certainly increased our diagnostic confidence allowing us to continue conservative approach while the surrounding signal change, as reported in the literature, should not in itself prompt alternative diagnoses to be entertained.