The cerebrospinal fluid in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningoencephalitis: review of the literature

Abstract

We review the literature on the biochemical, cytological and immunological changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in tuberculous meningoencephalitis, emphasizing the inconsistency and low specificity of the CSF findings described in classic accounts of this disease. We consider separately the possible causes of yellow or bloody fluid. The development of accurate techniques of analysis does not diminish the importance of the clinical findings and history in the early diagnosis of this disease.