Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Features of Virchow-Robin Spaces in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patients Publisher Pubmed



Etemadifar M1, 2, 5 ; Hekmatnia A3 ; Tayari N3 ; Kazemi M2 ; Ghazavi A3 ; Akbari M4 ; Maghzi AH5, 6, 7
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Division of Neurology, San Luigi Gonzaga School of Medicine, Orbassano (Torino), Turin, Italy
  2. 2. Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Radiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  5. 5. Isfahan Research Committee of Multiple Sclerosis (IRCOMS), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Al-zahra Hospital, Isfahan 81744, Soffeh Street, Iran
  6. 6. Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
  7. 7. Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Source: European Journal of Radiology Published:2011


Abstract

Background: Virchow-Robin spaces (VRSs) are perivascular pia-lined extensions of the subarachnoid space around the arteries and veins as they enter the brain parenchyma. These spaces are responsible for inflammatory processes within the brain. Objectives: This study was designed to shed more light on the location, size and shape of VRSs on 3 mm slice thickness, 1.5 Tesla MRI scans of newly diagnosed MS patients in Isfahan, Iran and compare the results with healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Methods: We evaluated MRI scans of 73 MS patients obtained within 3 months of MS onset and compared them with MRI scans from 73 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Three mm section proton density, T2W and FLAIR MR images were obtained for all subjects. The location, size and shape of VRSs were compared between the two groups. Results: The total number of VRSs was significantly more in the MS group (p < 0.001). The distribution of VRSs were significantly more located in the high convexity areas in the MS group (p < 0.001), while there was no significant differences in other regions. The round shaped VRSs were significantly more detected on MRI scans of MS patients, and curvilinear shapes were significantly more frequently observed in healthy volunteers, however there were no significant differences for oval shaped VRSs between the two groups. The number of VRSs with the size over than 2 mm were significantly more observed in the MS groups compared to controls. We also observed some differences in the characteristics of VRSs between the genders in the MS group. Conclusion: The results of this study shed more light on the usefulness of VRSs as an MRI marker for the disease. In addition, according to our results VRSs might also have implication to determine the prognosis of the disease. However, larger studies with more advanced MRI techniques are required to confirm our results. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Related Docs
1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Journal of Neurology (2025)
2. Intracranial Venous Anatomy and Variation on Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Venography in Normal Population, Journal of Isfahan Medical School (2008)