Charcot-Leyden crystals

Microscopic crystals found in certain diseases

Charcot-Leyden crystals
Charcot-Leyden crystals in a sputum sample
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Specialty	Hematology, Pulmonology
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Charcot-Leyden crystals are microscopic crystals found in human tissues and fluids, particularly in association with certain diseases involving eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. These crystals are named after the French physician Jean-Martin Charcot and the German physician Ernst Viktor von Leyden, who first described them in the 19th century.

Structure and Composition

Charcot-Leyden crystals are elongated, bipyramidal structures that can be seen under a microscope. They are typically colorless and vary in size, often measuring between 10 to 40 micrometers in length. The crystals are composed of a protein called galectin-10, which is found in the granules of eosinophils. When eosinophils degranulate, galectin-10 is released and can crystallize to form Charcot-Leyden crystals.

Pathophysiology

Charcot-Leyden crystals are most commonly associated with conditions that involve eosinophilic inflammation or infiltration. These include:

• Asthma: In patients with asthma, Charcot-Leyden crystals can be found in the sputum, indicating eosinophilic inflammation of the airways.
• Allergic rhinitis: Similar to asthma, the presence of these crystals in nasal secretions can indicate eosinophilic activity.
• Parasitic infections: Infections with parasites such as helminths can lead to eosinophilia and the formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals in tissues or bodily fluids.
• Eosinophilic pneumonia: This condition involves eosinophilic infiltration of the lungs, and Charcot-Leyden crystals may be present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Charcot-Leyden crystals is often used as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation. While they are not specific to any single disease, their detection can aid in the diagnosis of conditions associated with eosinophilia. In clinical practice, the identification of these crystals can support the diagnosis of asthma, allergic conditions, or parasitic infections.

Diagnosis

Charcot-Leyden crystals can be identified through microscopic examination of sputum, nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids. The crystals are typically visualized using light microscopy, and their characteristic shape aids in their identification.

History

Charcot-Leyden crystals were first described in the late 19th century by Jean-Martin Charcot and Ernst Viktor von Leyden. Their discovery was significant in understanding the role of eosinophils in various diseases and contributed to the field of immunology.

Also see

• Eosinophil
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• Parasitic infection
• Galectin-10