Hemosiderin-laden macrophages in the cerebrospinal fluid of a neonate after traumatic lumbar puncture. 
Macrophages in cerebrospinal fluid are described as indicators of pathology.  We present findings from the lumbar puncture of a child without neurologic disease.  Cerebrospinal fluid obtained after an initial, traumatic lumbar puncture attempt included a high proportion of macrophages, some containing erythrocyte fragments and hemosiderin.  This suggests that although macrophages may indicate pathology, they can also accumulate after traumatic lumbar puncture.