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BMC Neurology

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Case report

Widespread enlarged perivascular spaces associated with dementia and focal brain dysfunction: case report

Authors: Daisuke Taniguchi, Hideki Shimura, Masao Watanabe, Nobutaka Hattori, Takao Urabe

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) are common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, whereas widespread enlarged PVS are extremely rare. Although most patients with widespread enlarged PVS remain asymptomatic, some develop neurological dysfunctions; however, it remains unclear whether these are the consequence of widespread enlarged PVS.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old female patient developed consciousness disturbance, cognitive dysfunctions, fluent aphasia, agraphia, acalculia, and left-right disorientation after suffering from bronchopneumonia. Brain MRI revealed unusually widespread enlarged PVS predominantly in the left cerebral hemisphere. Following bronchopneumonia treatment, her cognitive dysfunction, fluent aphasia, agraphia, acalculia, and left-right disorientation persisted despite improvement of her general condition. Furthermore, the hypoperfusion area on single photon emission computed tomography and slow wave sites on electroencephalography were consistent with the location of enlarged PVS, indicating that severe enlarged PVS impaired focal brain functions.

Conclusions

This case suggested that widespread enlarged PVS could be a potential cause of neurological deficits. We propose that impaired perivascular circulation due to enlarged PVS might lead to focal brain dysfunction.

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Title: Widespread enlarged perivascular spaces associated with dementia and focal brain dysfunction: case report
Authors: Daisuke Taniguchi
Hideki Shimura
Masao Watanabe
Nobutaka Hattori
Takao Urabe
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-017-0997-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Widespread enlarged perivascular spaces associated with dementia and focal brain dysfunction: case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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