[The value and limits of cerebrospinal fluid cytology]

Based on the results of about 10,000 cytological evaluations of the cerebrospinal fluid using two different technical methods clinical value concerning diagnosis is discussed. Three cytological syndromes are described: the inflammatory syndrome can be differentiated in an aucte and chronical form. Functional dynamic aspects are affirmed to be by far more effective in diagnosis as well as therapy than etiological conclusions. The irritation syndrome is non-specific with the very important exception of hemorrhages in the subarachnoidal space, which are detectable even months later. Tumor cells can be found in a higher percentage when neoplasms are secondary, while primary brain tumours show less typical cell patterns allowing certain differentiation.