Characteristic finding of CSF In GBS

Q: What is the characteristic finding in CSF in Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS)?

Answer: Albumino-cytological dissociation

In Guillain–Barré syndrome, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows characteristic findings of albumin-cytological dissociation. It is considered as a diagnostic hallmark. In contrast to infectious causes, there is an elevated protein level (100–1000 mg/dl), without pleocytosis. An increased white blood cell count may indicate an alternative diagnosis, probably an infection.

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References:

1. Rath J, Zulehner G, Schober B, Grisold A, Krenn M, Cetin H, Zimprich F. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in Guillain-Barré syndrome: value of albumin quotients. J Neurol. 2021 Sep;268(9):3294-3300. doi: 10.1007/s00415-021-10479-9. Epub 2021 Mar 2. PMID: 33651153; PMCID: PMC8357680.

2. Vargas-Cañas ES, Galnares-Olalde JA, León-Velasco F, García-Grimshaw M, Gutiérrez A, López-Hernández JC. Prognostic Implications of Early Albuminocytological Dissociation in Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Can J Neurol Sci. 2023 Sep;50(5):745-750. doi: 10.1017/cjn.2022.288. Epub 2022 Aug 18. PMID: 35979659.

3. Illes Z, Blaabjerg M. Cerebrospinal fluid findings in Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies. Handb Clin Neurol. 2017;146:125-138. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-804279-3.00009-5. PMID: 29110767.