Enlarging and shrinking focal perivascular spaces

Abstract

Background and Purpose

Perivascular spaces (PVS) are interstitial fluid-filled spaces surrounding blood vessels traversing the deep gray nuclei and white matter of the brain. These are commonly encountered on CT and MR imaging and are generally asymptomatic and of no clinical significance. However, occasional changes in the size of focal PVS, for example, when enlarging, may mimic pathologies including neoplasms and infections, hence potentially confounding radiological interpretation. Given these potential diagnostic issues, we sought to better characterize common clinical and imaging features of focal PVS demonstrating size fluctuations.

Materials and Methods

Upon institutional approval, we retrospectively identified 4 cases demonstrating PVS with size changes at our institution. To supplement our cases, we also performed a literature review, which identified an additional 14 cases. Their clinical and imaging data were analyzed to identify characteristic features.

Results

Of the 18 total cases (including the 4 institutional cases), 10 cases increased and 8 decreased in size. These focal PVS ranged from 0.4–4.5 cm in size. Whereas a decrease in size did not represent a diagnostic issue, focal increase in size of PVS led to concerning differential diagnoses in at least 30% of the radiology reports. These enlarging PVS were most found in the basal ganglia and temporal lobe, and in patients with previous brain radiation treatment.

Conclusion

Focal size change of PVS can occur, especially years after brain radiation treatment. Being cognizant of this benign finding is important to consider in the differential diagnosis to avoid undue patient anxiety or unnecessary medical intervention.