Crystals seen on CSF microscopy in a case of suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage.
BMJ Case Rep
; 20152015 Jul 02.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26139652
ABSTRACT
Although crystals are rarely identified on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microscopy, their presence can be of significant diagnostic value. We report a case of oxalate crystals seen on CSF microscopy of a 43-year-old woman. The patient presented with headaches, nausea and vomiting. CT of the head showed a small focus of hyper-density, suspicious of haemorrhage, in the right side of the pontine cistern. CSF cell count was within the normal range. Although no organisms were seen on microscopy, copious oxalate crystals were seen. The same crystals were seen on microscopy of CSF collected in a fluoride oxalate container used for glucose analysis. A follow-up contrast-enhanced CT angiogram did not demonstrate any abnormalities. It transpired that excess CSF had been collected into a fluoride oxalate container. This had subsequently been decanted into a plain container for microbiological analysis. Correct specimen collection should be emphasised when teaching lumbar puncture technique.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Manejo de Espécimes
/
Punção Espinal
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Hemorragia Subaracnóidea
/
Oxalato de Cálcio
/
Cefaleia
/
Microscopia
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article