Pleocytosis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pleocytosis is a term used to describe an increased cell count {Gk. pleion more}, usually referring to an increase in white blood cell (WBC) count in a bodily fluid, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).[1] It is often defined specifically as an increased WBC count in CSF.[2]
It is indicative of an inflammatory, infectious, or malignant condition. CSF pleocytosis in patients suspected of having Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy) should prompt consideration of other diagnoses, such as HIV, CMV, West nile virus infection (in appropriate setting, Lyme disease (neuroborreliose), or other infectious or inflammatory conditions.
Increased white blood cell count in the blood is rather termed leukocytosis.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ TheFreeDictionary > pleocytosis Citing: The American Heritage Medical Dictionary, 2007 and Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 2007
- ^ TheFreeDictionary > pleocytosis Citing: Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers, 2007 and Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition, 2009
- ^ TheFreeDictionary > Leukocytosis Citing: Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 2008 and The American Heritage Medical Dictionary, 2007
