FACS analysis-a new and accurate tool in the diagnosis of lymphoma in the cerebrospinal fluid.
BACKGROUND
Fluorescence activated cell scanning (FACS) is a useful tool for identifying malignant cell clones of lymphoma cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by immunological phenotype.


METHODS
We used FACS analysis for demonstrating it to be a quick and reliable technology that is available in most hematological laboratories. In this study, we demonstrate the clinical application of FACS analysis within a series of 15 lymphoma patients with suspected CSF involvement. CSF from three patients with another diagnosis than lymphoma serves as negative control.


CONCLUSIONS
A malignant cell clone cannot only be identified in CSF phenotypically, but also classified according to the immunological surface profile. As this method improves the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, it should be implemented into routine diagnosis.
Urbanits
Sabine
S
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Neurooncology Vienna/Linz and Department of Neurology, Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital, Kundratstrasse. 3, A-1100, Vienna, Austria. sabine.urbanits@kfj.magwien.gv.at
Griesmacher
Andrea
A
Hopfinger
Georg
G
Stockhammer
Günther
G
Karimi
Alireza
A
Müller
Mathias M
MM
Pittermann
Elisabeth
E
Grisold
Wolfgang
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged