Dilated Virchow-Robin spaces mimicking a brainstem arteriovenous malformation

Abstract

Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS) are ubiquitous and commonly observed as the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) continues to improve. The function of VRS and the etiology of their dilation is still a subject of research. Diagnosing dilated VRS (dVRS) can be challenging because they may appear similar to other pathologies such as cystic neoplasms, infectious cysts, and even arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) on certain MRI pulse sequences. We reported a unique case of brainstem dVRS mimicking an AVM. Furthermore, the extensive pontine involvement of our patient's lesion is rarely described in neurosurgical literature. Understanding the imaging characteristics of dVRS is critical to accurately diagnose these lesions and avoid unnecessary tests and procedures.