PLEOCYTOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pleocytosis is a medical term used to describe an abnormal increase in the number of cells, specifically white blood cells, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF is a clear and colorless fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
The condition of pleocytosis is typically identified through a laboratory test called a CSF analysis, in which a sample of the CSF is collected through a lumbar puncture or a spinal tap. Pleocytosis is characterized by a higher than normal white blood cell count in the CSF, indicating an inflammatory response or an underlying infection in the central nervous system.
The causes of pleocytosis can vary and may be attributed to various conditions such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as autoimmune disorders or traumatic injuries. In certain cases, cancerous growths, such as lymphoma, may also lead to pleocytosis.
The presence of pleocytosis in the CSF is a significant finding, as it helps healthcare professionals identify the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms. Treatment plans are then tailored based on the specific cause of the increased cell count.
Overall, pleocytosis serves as an important diagnostic indicator in the assessment of inflammatory or infectious conditions within the central nervous system, allowing healthcare providers to devise appropriate treatment strategies for patients.
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Lymphocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid in syphilitic and parasyphilitic diseases of the central nervous system.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLEOCYTOSIS
- oleocytosis
- lleocytosis
- -leocytosis
- 0leocytosis
- pkeocytosis
- ppeocytosis
- poeocytosis
- plwocytosis
- plsocytosis
- pldocytosis
- plrocytosis
- pl4ocytosis
- pl3ocytosis
- pleicytosis
- plekcytosis
- plelcytosis
- plepcytosis
- ple0cytosis
- ple9cytosis
- pleoxytosis
Etymology of PLEOCYTOSIS
The word pleocytosis is derived from two Greek roots: pleo- meaning more or excessive, and cyto- meaning cell. The suffix -osis is used to indicate a condition or process. Therefore, pleocytosis literally means excessive cells or increased cell count.
Similar spelling words for PLEOCYTOSIS
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