Questions and Answers
What is the appearance of the CSF sample in a normal condition?
Crystal clear
Which of the following is NOT a cause of a cloudy, turbid, or milky CSF appearance?
Hemorrhage
What is the likely cause of a bloody CSF sample?
Traumatic tap
What is the term for the yellow, orange, or pink discoloration of the CSF sample?
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What is the significance of a pellicle in a CSF sample?
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What can cause disruptions to the selective filtration of the blood-brain barrier?
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What is the typical appearance of CSF in cases of old hemorrhage?
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What can cause elevated serum bilirubin levels?
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What is the name of the protein that can be produced within the CNS in certain disorders?
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What can cause uneven distribution of blood components in the CSF?
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Study Notes
CSF Appearance and Causes
- Crystal clear CSF: normal appearance
- Hazy, turbid, or cloudy CSF: presence of microorganisms, white blood cells (WBCs), or high protein levels, indicating meningitis
- Bloody CSF: intracranial hemorrhage or traumatic tap
- Xanthochromic CSF (pink/orange/yellow): presence of hemoglobin, bilirubin, carotene, or melanin, depending on the length of contact between RBCs and CSF
- Clotted CSF: introduced clotting factors due to traumatic tap
- Pellicle: seen in tubercular meningitis, especially after overnight refrigeration
- Oily CSF: presence of radiographic contrast media
CSF Abnormalities and Disorders
- Meningitis: cloudy, turbid, or milky CSF, high WBC count, and elevated protein levels
- Traumatic tap: bloody CSF, clotted CSF, or presence of RBCs
- Intracerebral hemorrhage: bloody CSF
- Tubercular meningitis: pellicle formation, cloudy CSF, and high protein levels
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