THE VALUE OF SPINAL FLUID EXAMINATION AS A DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE IN WEIL'S DISEASE

Abstract

Of 14 cases of Weil''s disease observed during a 4 yr. period, 13 were found to have abnormal spinal fluid. In only 6 of these cases were there clinical signs which could be attributed to meningeal irritation. A search of the literature revealed 78 comparable cases in which spinal fluid findings were given. In 65 of these, abnormal spinal fluid had been found. Combined with the series of cases reported, the incidence of abnormal spinal fluid in 92 cases of Weil''s disease was 78 (86%). The commonest abnormality was an increase in the cell count. Xanthochromia was noted in approx. 90% of the cases in which jaundice was present. Spinal fluid examination is of value as a routine diagnostic procedure when the diagnosis of Weil''s disease is suspected.