Perivascular or Virchow-Robin Spaces: A Microstructural Approach

Abstract

The Virchow-Robin perivascular spaces (VRPVS) are microstructures that are part of the large weave of vessels penetrating the deep white matter of the brain and spinal cord; together with other cellular components, they help maintain central nervous system homeostasis.

In the initial work, these vascular structures are described as dura mater invaginations going towards the deep white matter of the brain and the spinal cord. Thus, they are the first contributions to their micro-structure. Actually, the relationshop between these vascular structures and other cellular and molecular components is relevant because of their contribution of nutrients as well as the elimination of toxic substances from the central nervous system.

Thanks to this progress we may now understand the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases, where there is special damage of the brain’s deep white matter as a result of a malfunction of the now well described Virchow-Robin perivascular spaces.

This work starts with the history of perivascular spaces (PVS), analyzing them from their microstructural discovery up to their present micro-anatomical description. This establishes the bases for an understanding of the glymphatic system, which drains toxic substances from the brain, among other components of the interstitial fluid (ITF).

Understanding the functioning of the VRPVS and providing the bases for a definition, is central to comprehending the physiopathology of brain diseases. Since scarce knowledge exists on these structures, this study is a contribution to clinical practice so that personnel in the neurosciences may have a better foundation to understand them.