What Is Albuminocytologic Dissociation?

Albuminocytologic dissociation (ACD) is a medical phenomenon found typically in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients.

We observe an increased protein level, in particular albumin, however with the absence of an elevated white cell count.

For instance, ACD is found in patients with Guilain-Barre syndrome. In a study of 1 231 patients with this syndrome, 70% showed ACD in their cerebrospinal fluid examination. Interestingly the presence of ACD was increasing over time [1].

However, ACD is not exclusively observed in Guilain-Barre syndrome. In fact, it can also be present in conditions like spondylodiscitis (an infection of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs) or even in neurological conditions in dogs (eg. brain tumors, or brain vascular disease) [2, 3].

What Causes Albuminocytologic Dissociation?

ACD is usually an accompanying physiological change within the body of an individual with a certain condition, not a medical condition or a disease by itself.

Such a condition can be present in the Guillain-Barre syndrome, but also others, including chronic inflammatory neuropathies [4].

However, it's important to note that while these conditions are associated with albuminocytologic dissociation, the exact cause of this phenomenon is not fully understood.

Can We Treat Albuminocytologic Dissociation?

The treatment approach for albuminocytologic dissociation is not set. As it is an underlying symptom of a condition, rather than a disease itself, what usually happens is that the primary focus is to treat the condition causing the dissociation, not the dissociation itself [4].

It is also not straightforward whether albuminocytologic dissociation is even a useful biomarker of diseases, as we do not understand its relevance to the diseases it accompanies. However, as we observe a reduced number of white blood cells within the cerebrospinal fluid, it might signal a potential mechanism involving the immune system [1].