Brain MR: pathologic correlation with gross and histopathology. 1. Lacunar infarction and Virchow-Robin spaces

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
MR imaging was performed on 36 formalin-fixed brain specimens. For three of these specimens, in vivo MR studies had also been performed before death. Changes that take place in the MR appearance of the brain after fixation are discussed. Gross and microscopic pathology revealed 14 lacunar infarctions in seven cases and enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces (etat crible) in four. Both types of lesion were seen in specimens from predominantly elderly, hypertensive patients. Eight lacunae were in the deep gray-matter nuclei (four in the putamen with variable involvement of the internal capsule and caudate nuclei, two in the thalami, and two in the dentate nuclei), five were in the supratentorial white matter, and one was in the brainstem. Enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces were identified in the basal ganglia. All lesions were detected on MR. CT failed to disclose the brainstem and dentate lacunae and the enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces. On MR, all lacunae were slitlike or ovoid, except one that was round. They were less t...