Xanthochromia

Xanthochromia (pronounced: zan-tho-kro-mia) is a medical term that refers to the yellowish appearance of cerebrospinal fluid that results from the presence of bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin. This condition is often associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Etymology

The term "Xanthochromia" is derived from the Greek words "xanthos" meaning yellow and "chroma" meaning color.

Causes

Xanthochromia is most commonly caused by a subarachnoid hemorrhage, where blood leaks into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane. This can occur due to a ruptured aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, or head injury. The red blood cells in the leaked blood break down over time, releasing bilirubin which gives the cerebrospinal fluid a yellow color.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Xanthochromia is typically made through a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. The cerebrospinal fluid is then examined for its color. If it appears yellow, this indicates the presence of bilirubin and hence, Xanthochromia.

Treatment

The treatment for Xanthochromia primarily involves addressing the underlying cause, such as repairing a ruptured aneurysm or treating an arteriovenous malformation.

Related Terms

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Aneurysm
• Arteriovenous malformation
• Lumbar puncture
• Bilirubin

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Xanthochromia
• Wikipedia's article - Xanthochromia

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