The history of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in Brazil

Abstract

Analysis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neurological diagnosis has always been considered to be a strong point among the main complementary examinations in Brazil. The present paper reviews the main events in the history of CSF in the neurological sciences, with emphasis on the founders of several CSF schools in our country from the beginning of the 20 th century to the present time.Keywords: cerebrospinal fluid, history, CSF laboratories in Brazil. rESUMONo Brasil o estudo do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) como arsenal diagnóstico para a neurologia sempre foi considerado um ponto forte entre os principais exames complementares. Neste artigo são revisados os fatos principais da história do LCR dentro das ciências neuroló-gicas, com ênfase aos fundadores das diversas escolas de LCR do nosso país desde as primeiras décadas do século XX até o momento atual.Palavras-Chave: líquido cefalorraquidiano, história, laboratórios de LCR no Brasil.

Cerebrospinal fluid data compilation and knowledge-based interpretation of bacterial, viral, parasitic, oncological, chronic inflammatory and demyelinating diseases. Diagnostic patterns not to be missed in neurology and psychiatry

“…Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for differential diagnosis of neurological diseases is still, 120 years after start of diagnostic CSF puncture 1 , not to be replaced without serious loss of basic, unique information. CSF analysis 2,3 can provide information about many acute and chronic inflammatory, dementive, oncological or haemorrhagic pathological processes in the brain which can be provided neither by established electrophysiology nor by actual brain imaging techniques.…”

Immunological and molecular diagnosis of cysticercosis

“…112,113 Also, there may be intrathecally produced antigens in the CSF, particularly during antiparasitic treatment. [114][115][116][117][118][119] Venipuncture is the preferred collection method for clinical laboratory studies; however, blood can be also collected by finger prick on filter paper. This procedure is quite advantageous for sample storage and transport and is quite well accepted by the population and can be of great use in field studies or whenever venipuncture is not possible.…”