[The diagnostic value of cytology of the CSF (author's transl)]

Abstract

Cytological examination of cerebrospinal fluid needs special techniques of cell collecting and staining. On condition of realizing the methodical requirements cytology of the cerebrospinal fluid brings more advancement in diagnostics than other laboratory examinations. The advantages of this procedure are: 1. Meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and subarachnoidal hemorrhage can be immediately diagnosed by cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. In cases of encephalitis cytological findings depend on the extend of the inflammatory process and its distance from the cerebrospinal fluid compartement. Absence of tumor cells in preparations of cerebrospinal fluid cannot exclude primary or secundary brain tumors. 2. Cytological examination enables a better insight into the dynamics of cellular reactions proceeding in the cerebrospinal fluid as well as in its enlining tissues.