title: Cytodiagnosis and monitoring of acute lymphocytic leukemia and eosinophilia in cerebrospinal fluid.
abstract: A case of adult aleukemic leukemia with an isolated CNS relapse diagnosed by cytologic examination of the CSF is reported. CSF hypereosinophilia of uncertain significance was documented. Immunologic marker studies (CALLA, HTA, Tdt) were performed on the CSF and showed a null cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. Sequential CSF specimens were obtained to determine the continued presence of lymphoblasts. Cytologic monitoring of the CSF in acute leukemia is a useful technique to determine disease status and efficacy of therapy. We advocate the use of cell morphology for monitoring, reserving the use of cell markers for initial identification of malignant cells and for use when the cell morphology is altered.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male