CSF albuminocytologic dissociation is most characteristic of which condition?

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Multiple Choice

CSF albuminocytologic dissociation is most characteristic of which condition?

Albuminocytologic dissociation means high CSF protein with a normal cell count. This pattern is most characteristic of Guillain-Barré syndrome, where demyelination of peripheral nerves increases the permeability of the blood-nerve barrier, letting protein accumulate in the CSF without a corresponding rise in inflammatory cells. Clinically, GBS presents with progressive, symmetrical weakness and areflexia, and the CSF finding supports the diagnosis because it shows elevated protein without pleocytosis. In contrast, conditions that cause meningitis or central nervous system inflammation typically raise both protein and cell counts, so they don’t match this dissociation pattern. Therefore, the description of elevated protein with a normal cell count best fits the condition.

Albuminocytologic dissociation means high CSF protein with a normal cell count. This pattern is most characteristic of Guillain-Barré syndrome, where demyelination of peripheral nerves increases the permeability of the blood-nerve barrier, letting protein accumulate in the CSF without a corresponding rise in inflammatory cells. Clinically, GBS presents with progressive, symmetrical weakness and areflexia, and the CSF finding supports the diagnosis because it shows elevated protein without pleocytosis. In contrast, conditions that cause meningitis or central nervous system inflammation typically raise both protein and cell counts, so they don’t match this dissociation pattern. Therefore, the description of elevated protein with a normal cell count best fits the condition.

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