[Importance of the study of the cytology and proteins of the spinal fluid in lumbago].

In the cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F.) of hundred patients suffering from lumbago we have studied the existence of cytobiochemical and cytoradiological correlations in order to confirm the demonstration of cytologic and biochemical signs of organicisty or seriousness of this frequent pathology. We have realized cytorachia, that is to say differential cells counts and formulas on C.S.F. samples after cytocentrifugation and staining associated with biochemical determinations. Cytologically 96% of C.S.F. samples had normal count but 67% of them had a disturbed formula often associated with hyperproteinorachia. We have found lymphocytes and histiomonocytes the normal cells of C.S.F. but also neutrophilic, eosinophilic and basophilic polymorphonuclears and above all leptomeningeal cells. A disturbed cytorachia is often related with a pathological radiological picture (68% of cases). A cytologic anomaly with hyperproteinorachia in the same C.S.F. sample seems to be a sign of seriousness and to reveal a resistance to medical treatment. A technical presentation of cytorachia and an attempt of physiopathological explanation of observed cytologic abnormalities are proposed.