Froin's syndrome

Froin's syndrome is the combination of xanthochromia, a markedly elevated protein level, and pronounced coagulation found together in cerebrospinal fluid. It results from irritation of the meninges and blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow by a tumor mass or an abscess, which allows fluid to pool within the thecal sac and lets protein leak from the tumor while activating clotting factors; it is named after the French physician Georges Froin, who first described it. A test called Queckenstedt's maneuver was formerly used to evaluate this kind of spinal blockage, while magnetic resonance imaging is now used to identify the obstruction.