NEUTROPHILIC LEUKOCYTOSIS IN SPINAL FLUID ASSOCIATED WITH CEREBRAL VASCULAR ACCIDENTS

Abstract

The present paper records 6 cases in which softening or hemorrhage within the brain was associated with the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes in the spinal fluid in such numbers as to suggest the diagnosis of meningitis or at least of some degree of meningeal irritation. We believe that this leukocytosis represents an aseptic reaction of the meninges to the damage within the brain. Except for the first, the cases are reported in slight detail for sake of brevity. REPORT OF CASES Case 1. —L. L., a Negress aged 49, was admitted to the medical service of the Baltimore City Hospitals on Sept. 13, 1937, in a moribund state. The only history available was that the patient went to bed on Saturday night, September 11, in her usual state of health, which was excellent. Apparently she lost consciousness during the night and never regained it. There was no history of