[Carcinomatous meningitis. Usefulness of spinal fluid cell morphology in the diagnosis of 2 cases].

Abstract

This paper deals with two cases of carcinomatous meningitis as metastatic reproduction respectively of a bronchial and a stomach carcinoma. In both patients (37 and 62 years) the clinical picture consisted in combined neurologic symptoms and signs of brain and spinal roots damage, while in the first one there was also a deficit of some cranial nerves. In the past history of the subjects there had been no evidence of tumours. The diagnosis remained uncertain for a long period, although several laboratory and neuroradiologic investigations had been carried out. The C.S.F. cytomorphologic study, performed with the filtration method, gave a rapid and exact identification of carcinomatous cells and, therefore, a correct diagnosis. Such C.S.F. diagnostic test should be carried out in all cases of suspected carcinomatous meningitis. If biochemical markers are used as well, this combination of tests gives additional information.