Giant Tumefactive Perivascular Spaces MRI

Clinical Details: headache.

FLAIR

T1W

T2W

T2*GRE

T1 PC

MRI brain with Contrast

MRI study of brain with contrast shows a well defined, multilocular cystic lesion isointense to CSF, non-enhancing on post contrast involving left thalamus, adjacent mesencephalic mid brain. An associated mild mass effect causing third ventricle compression however no obvious obstructive hydrocephalus. No obvious low signal intensity haemosiderin staining on GRE. No obvious adjacent perilesional oedema on FLAIR.

Imaging findings suggestive of giant Tumefactive Peri vascular space – a benign non-tumoural cyst.
Suggested follow-up imaging for mass effect.

Giant Tumefactive Perivascular Spaces

Perivascular spaces (PVSs) are pial-lined, interstitial fluid-filled structures that accompany penetrating arteries, also known as Virchow-Robin spaces when enlarged, they may cause mass effect and can be mistaken for various ominous pathologic processes.
Often appear as clusters of variably sized cysts that are isointense to CSF on all pulse sequences and do not enhance, Gaint Tumefactive VR spaces assuming bizarre configurations with striking mass effect should not be mistaken for neoplasm.
They are most common in the mesencephalo thalamic region and may cause hydrocephalus.

Reference: Giant Tumefactive Perivascular Spaces Karen L. Salzman, Anne G. Osborn, Paul House, J. Randy Jinkins, Adam Ditchfield, James A. Cooper and Roy O. Weller
American Journal of Neuroradiology February 2005, 26 (2) 298-305