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In which condition is a CSF analysis most likely to show normal glucose with lymphocytic predominance?

Bacterial meningitis

Aseptic (viral) meningitis

In assessing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, a normal glucose level combined with a predominance of lymphocytes is characteristic of aseptic (viral) meningitis. In this condition, the body's immune response to viral infections leads to an increase in lymphocytes in the CSF while glucose levels remain normal, as viruses typically do not consume glucose as bacteria might. This finding helps distinguish viral meningitis from bacterial meningitis, where glucose levels are typically low due to bacterial consumption.

In contrast, other conditions reflect different CSF findings. Bacterial meningitis would typically show decreased glucose levels alongside a high white blood cell count with a neutrophilic predominance. Subarachnoid hemorrhage would demonstrate an elevated white blood cell count but often shows a more mixed picture without lymphocytic predominance, and glucose levels may also be normal. Multiple sclerosis may show lymphocytic pleocytosis but can also exhibit oligoclonal bands and other changes in protein levels, distinguishing it from the viral etiology in this context.

Thus, the hallmark of a CSF profile indicative of aseptic (viral) meningitis is the combination of normal glucose levels and a lymphocytic predominance, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

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Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Multiple sclerosis

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