Xanthochromia and Increased Protein in the Spinal Fluid Above Tumors of the Cauda Equina

A brief consideration of the spinal fluid abnormalities commonly associated with tumors of the spinal cord is called for as a desirable introduction to the subject of immediate interest. Our imperfect knowledge of these abnormal fluids has been acquired within a period of less than twenty years, and in this country hardly a decade has elapsed since the first paper dealing with the subject was published. Froin 1 in 1903 first described the condition, which has become known as xanthochromie et de coagulation massive . A yellow fluid which tended to clot on standing, and contained a moderate number of cells, was found in three cases of spinal disease, seemingly of subacute infectious nature, although this was not confirmed by operation or necropsy. Subsequently a number of French observers confirmed Froin's findings, especially in rare cases of chronic pachymeningitis. In 1909, another significance was given to Froin's syndrome, as it has