Neurosyphilis Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Neurosyphilis and links to relevant pages within the course.
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| Clot/Pellicle Clot formation is always abnormal and is often due to increased levels of protein, especially fibrinogen. When the protein level is 1000 mg/dL, clot formation will most likely occur but clots may also form at lower levels of protein.
Some clots may be very fine and appear as a thin membrane or "scum" on the surface of the CSF specimen. This type of clot is referred to as a pellicle. Pellicles are composed of fibrinogen and white blood cells.
The type of clot formed may give some specific information about the disease state. Some examples are provided in the following table:
Example of ConditionType of Clotbacterial meningitispellicle forms in a short time; large clot formation followsTB meningitisweb-like clot (pellicle) after 12-24 hours (enhanced by refrigeration)paresis (type of neurosyphilis)incomplete clotblockage of CSF circulationcompletely clotted due to protein | View Page |
| A web-like clot may be seen in a sample when the patient has what condition? | View Page |