What does xanthochromia signify?

Xanthochromia refers to the yellowish discoloration observed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) when it is examined. This discoloration can occur due to the presence of bilirubin, which can be a result of various pathological processes such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. When blood enters the CSF, the breakdown of hemoglobin leads to the production of bilirubin, which imparts a yellow hue to the fluid, indicating an issue that requires further investigation.

This phenomenon is commonly assessed in the context of diagnosing conditions such as meningitis, particularly when differentiating various types of infections or hemorrhagic events. The identification of xanthochromia in spinal fluid is thus a considerable factor in clinical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of accurately interpreting this sign in evaluating a patient's condition.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different physiological states or lab findings that do not specifically involve the yellow discoloration in CSF, thereby not aligning with the definition of xanthochromia.