[Qualitative CSF cell diagnosis. Methods and conclusiveness (author's transl)].

In a review, the methods and value of CSF cytology as routine diagnostic investigation should be described summarily. Among the various methods of cell concentration, the sedimentation method permits the best cytological differentiation of the cells of the cerebrospinal fluid. Both neuro-immunological processes and unspecific irritation processes (e. g. subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumata), brain tumors and metastases can be differentiated. For prognostic and therapeutic questions, cytology of the CSF is sometimes the method of choice, as for instance in questions of CNS involvement in hemoblastoses. The spectrum of diagnostic possibilities recommends the cytology of CSF as a routine method in all neurological, internal medical and pediatric clinics.