Cerebrospinal fluid flow cytometry: utility in central nervous system lymphoma diagnosis

Abstract

Flow cytometry of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used in isolation or as an adjunct to cytology to increase the sensitivity of detecting primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. We aim to evaluate the sensitivity of CSF flow cytometry as a diagnostic tool for primary CNS lymphoma in patients presenting with undifferentiated neurologic symptoms. We retrospectively reviewed all CSF samples received by the Calgary Laboratory Services Flow Cytometry Laboratory from 2012- 2015. Clinical data, laboratory investigations, radiologic imaging studies, and pathological data were analyzed. Clinical review extended to 2 years post CSF flow cytometric testing. The number of samples of CSF flow cytometry that were positive for a hematological malignancy was 43/763 (5.6%). The overall sensitivity of the test was 69.4%. A positive result was more likely to occur in patients with a prior history of a hematological malignancy or abnormal enhancement on MRI (p<0.0001). CSF flow cytometry was negative in all patients who did not have a previous hematological malignancy or abnormal enhancement on MRI (n = 247). CSF flow cytometry has a limited role in screening for primary CNS lymphoma, unless a strictly endorsed testing algorithm is applied. It is, however, an invaluable tool in evaluating CNS involvement in patients with a previous diagnosis of hematolymphoid malignancy or abnormal enhancement on MRI.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

Discuss the costs and benefits of using CSF flow cytometry to diagnose CNS lymphoma

1. 1. Identify appropriate clinical indications for using CSF flow cytometry as a first-line test

2. 2. Apply a testing algorithm to increase the diagnostic yield of CSF flow cytometry