Obstructive hydrocephalus due to cavernous dilation of Virchow-Robin spaces

Abstract

Obstructive hydrocephalus due to cavernous dilation of Virchow-Robin spaces A 10-year-old girl presented with a 4-month history of headache and with a normal examination. MRI showed a multi-cyst mesencephalic lesion isointense relative to CSF on all sequences; there was mass effect on the aqueduct with obstructive hydrocephalus (figure). Infections, tumors, and epidermoid cyst were considered, but the characteristic location along the path of a penetrating vessel and magnetic resonance appearance is virtually pathognomonic of cavernous dilation of Virchow-Robin spaces. 1,2 She received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt with prompt improvement of the headache and the hydrocephalus. Clinical and imaging follow-up examinations revealed no change.