CSF Analysis Flashcards

1
Q

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

A

A clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and support

CSF is produced by the choroid plexus and circulates through the ventricles.

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2
Q

What is the normal production rate of CSF per day?

A

400 – 600 mL/day

The typical volume of CSF in the human body is 150 – 250 mL.

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3
Q

What are the primary functions of CSF?

A
  • Mechanical protection
  • Biochemical homeostasis
  • Metabolic support
  • Waste removal
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4
Q

What are common indications for CSF analysis?

A
  • CNS infections
  • Hemorrhage in CNS
  • Demyelinating diseases
  • CNS malignancy
  • CSF leakage from ear or nose
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5
Q

How is CSF obtained for analysis?

A

By lumbar puncture at L3-L4, L4-L5, or L5-S1

Aseptic technique is crucial during sampling.

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6
Q

What are the contraindications to performing a lumbar puncture?

A
  • Bleeding diatheses
  • Space occupying intracranial lesions
  • Infection at the needle site
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7
Q

What is the normal range for CSF opening pressure in adults?

A

6 – 25 cmH20, median 20

A pressure above 28 cmH20 is considered pathological.

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8
Q

What does xanthochromia in CSF indicate?

A

The presence of bilirubin, often due to breakdown of red blood cells

It can also result from elevated protein levels or severe jaundice.

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9
Q

What is the normal range for leukocytes in CSF?

A

0 - 5 per mm3 (μL)

An increase may indicate infection or other pathological conditions.

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10
Q

What is the significance of elevated CSF protein levels?

A

Indicates possible traumatic tap, infection, or obstruction

Normal values are 0.15 – 0.45 g/L in adults.

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11
Q

What does an increased CSF lactate level indicate?

A

Increased anaerobic metabolism, often related to hypoxia or CNS infections

CSF lactate does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

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12
Q

What does the presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF suggest?

A

Intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins, often indicative of multiple sclerosis

Oligoclonal bands are not typically present in serum.

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13
Q

What is the CSF glucose level in relation to plasma glucose?

A

Typically 2/3 of plasma concentration

A decrease may indicate increased utilization by cells or microorganisms.

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14
Q

What does a positive CSF culture indicate?

A

The presence of causative organisms in infections

Staining can help identify specific pathogens.

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15
Q

What is the role of CSF adenosine deaminase in diagnostics?

A

Indicator of CNS infections, particularly tuberculosis

Non-specific increases can occur in cryptococcal meningitis.

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16
Q

What characterizes bacterial meningitis in CSF analysis?

A
  • Appearance: Turbid
  • Glucose CSF: serum ratio: <0.45
  • Total protein: ↑↑
  • Cell count: Predominantly PMNs
17
Q

What is the significance of measuring CSF chloride levels?

A

Used in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis

Low levels of CSF chloride can indicate CNS infections.

18
Q

What is the interpretation of CSF findings in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)?

A

May show xanthochromia and increased RBC count

CT scans are most reliable within 12 hours of symptoms.

19
Q

What are the potential complications of a lumbar puncture?

A
  • Headaches
  • Diplopia
  • Spinal epidural hematoma
  • Brain herniation
20
Q

What does an increased IgG index in CSF suggest?

A

Increased intrathecal production of IgG

Normal range is 0.32–0.60.

21
Q

What are common symptoms of CNS infections?

A
  • Fever
  • Neck stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Neurological deficits
22
Q

What is the role of CSF in metabolic support?

A

Provides buoyancy, reducing the effective weight of the brain

It also helps in metabolic homeostasis.

23
Q

What does a clear CSF sample indicate?

A

Normal or non-pathological findings

Changes in color or turbidity often indicate pathology.

24
Q

What are the components typically analyzed in CSF testing?

A
  • Glucose
  • Protein
  • Lactate
  • Electrolytes
  • Cell counts
  • Cultures
25
Q

What laboratory technique is used to count cells in CSF?

A

Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber

Accurate counts are invalidated by clots in the specimen.

26
Q

What type of diabetes does the patient have?

A

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

27
Q

What condition does the patient have alongside diabetes?

A

Bilateral hearing loss

28
Q

What assistive devices do both the patient and his sister use?

A

Hearing aids

29
Q

What were the findings from the general and systemic examinations?

A

Unremarkable, no abnormalities in respiratory, cardiovascular, or abdominal systems

30
Q

What symptoms indicated a neurological issue in the patient?

A

Expressive aphasia, impaired fluency, naming difficulties, inability to repeat phrases