Charcot–Leyden crystals

Charcot–Leyden crystals are microscopic crystals found in people who have certain diseases or conditions, such as asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, and parasitic infections. They were first described by Jean-Martin Charcot and Charles-Philippe Robin in 1853, and later by Ernst Viktor von Leyden in 1872.

Formation and Composition

Charcot–Leyden crystals are formed from the breakdown of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. They are composed of a protein called galectin-10, which is produced by eosinophils. When eosinophils die, they release galectin-10, which then crystallizes to form Charcot–Leyden crystals.

Appearance

Under a microscope, Charcot–Leyden crystals appear as colorless, needle-like crystals. They are often described as having a "bipyramidal" shape, similar to that of a double-ended spear. The size of the crystals can vary, but they are typically between 10 and 50 micrometers in length.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Charcot–Leyden crystals in bodily fluids, such as sputum or stool, can be a sign of an ongoing eosinophilic inflammatory response. This can be seen in conditions such as asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, and parasitic infections. However, their absence does not rule out these conditions, as they are not always present even when eosinophils are involved in the inflammatory response.

History

Charcot–Leyden crystals were first described by French physician Jean-Martin Charcot and French biologist Charles-Philippe Robin in 1853. They observed the crystals in the sputum of patients with asthma. Later, in 1872, German physician Ernst Viktor von Leyden also described the crystals, this time in the sputum of a patient with bronchitis.

See Also

• Eosinophil
• Asthma
• Eosinophilic bronchitis
• Parasitic infection
• Galectin-10