What is "xanthochromia"

n. (context medicine English) The yellowish appearance of cerebrospinal fluid that accompanies certain conditions, especially subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Xanthochromia, from the Greek xanthos (ξανθός)=yellow and chroma (χρώμα)=colour, is the yellowish appearance of cerebrospinal fluid that occurs several hours after bleeding into the subarachnoid space caused by certain medical conditions, most commonly subarachnoid hemorrhage. Its presence can be determined by either by spectrophotometry (measuring the absorption of particular wavelengths of light) or simple visual examination. It is unclear which method is superior.