Abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology is a fundamental test for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) diseases in neurological practice in mainland China. Some significant findings of CSF cytology will always be expected in the cases who are suspected of CNS infectious or noninfectious diseases or CNS neoplastic lesions. The immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry make the CSF cytological diagnosis more sensitive and specific. The CSF cytological diagnosis should be considered at clinical background and reevaluated bedside. Traditional CSF cytology still has its horizon in neurology and should be recommended as a routine test for CSF analysis.

Key words: Central nervous system infections, Central nervous system neoplasms, Cerebrospinal fluid, Cytological techniques, Review

摘要： 脑脊液细胞学检测是脑脊液诊断方法的主要项目，也是中枢神经系统疾病的重要辅助诊断方法之一，且对中枢神经系统感染性和非感染性疾病，以及中枢神经系统肿瘤的诊断具有重要意义。免疫细胞化学检测和流式细胞术在脑脊液细胞学中的应用使临床诊断水平提高，普及这一实用且费用低廉的脑脊液诊断技术具有现实意义。

关键词: 中枢神经系统感染, 中枢神经系统肿瘤, 脑脊髓液, 细胞学技术, 综述