Charcot-leyden crystals

Charcot-Leyden crystals are microscopic crystals found in people who have certain diseases or conditions, most notably asthma 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.

History

The crystals were first observed by Charcot and Robin in the sputum of a patient with asthma. Later, von Leyden also observed them in the sputum of patients with bronchitis and pneumonia. The crystals were named after these three scientists in recognition of their contributions to the field of medicine.

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.

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 occur in a variety of conditions, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and parasitic infections. Therefore, the detection of these crystals can be useful in the diagnosis of these conditions.

See Also

• Eosinophil
• Asthma
• Parasitic infections
• Galectin-10