Clinical application of cerebrospinal fluid cytology in neurological diseases

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology is a fundamental test for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) diseases in neurological practice in mainland China. Some significant findings of CSF cytology will always be expected in the cases who are suspected of CNS infectious or noninfectious diseases or CNS neoplastic lesions. The immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry make the CSF cytological diagnosis more sensitive and specific. The CSF cytological diagnosis should be considered at clinical background and reevaluated bedside. Traditional CSF cytology still has its horizon in neurology and should be recommended as a routine test for CSF analysis.

doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2014.07.003