Curschmann's spirals
Spiral-shaped mucus plugs from subepithelial mucous gland ducts of bronchi.
It is a microscopic finding in the sputum of asthmatics. They may occur in several different lung diseases and may refer to parts of the desquamated epithelium seen in lavages from asthmatic patients.
Rarely, they may be encountered in cervicovaginal secretion.
Cervico-vaginal mucus is secreted by endometrium, cervix, and vagina to facilitate uterine lubrication and microbial clearance. Predominantly composed of water and mucins, it also contains high levels of immuno-active proteins such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin, and lysozyme which protect against infection by blocking adhesion and mediating microbial killing.
They indicate an increased viscosity of secretions. They themselves do not need to be treated. However, the underlying disease may require treatment.