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PMNs in normal spinal fluid examined by the cytocentrifuge technique

R P Simon, M A Koerper

    Annals of Neurology
    |April 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Finding even one polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was thought to indicate central nervous system (CNS) disease. However, occasional PMN cells were found in healthy patients, challenging this diagnostic standard.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Immunology
    • Medical Diagnostics

    Background:

    • The presence of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has traditionally been a key indicator of central nervous system (CNS) disease.
    • This diagnostic criterion is crucial for identifying neurological infections and inflammatory conditions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the diagnostic significance of detecting occasional polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
    • To determine if the presence of a small number of PMN cells in CSF reliably indicates central nervous system (CNS) disease.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of 50 consecutive cytocentrifuged cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from patients without clinical evidence of central nervous system (CNS) disease.
    • Quantification of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in each CSF specimen.

    Main Results:

    • In 18 out of 50 (36%) specimens from patients without CNS disease, 1 to 6 polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells were detected.
    • The findings indicate that the presence of occasional PMN cells is not exclusive to CNS disease.

    Conclusions:

    • The detection of occasional polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in concentrated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens should not be considered definitive evidence of central nervous system (CNS) abnormality.
    • Re-evaluation of diagnostic criteria for CNS disease based on CSF cytology may be warranted.

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