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Recurrent aseptic meningitis due to different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including rofecoxib

M L Ashwath1, H P Katner

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA. Mahi_Lakshmi@yahoo.com

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|June 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Aseptic meningitis can arise from various causes, including medications. This case highlights non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a potential trigger for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Aseptic meningitis is a non-infectious inflammation of the meninges.
  • Common causes include viral infections, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions.
  • Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a recognized but often underdiagnosed entity.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of meningitis.
  • The patient had a history of exposure to multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Specifically, rofecoxib was one of the NSAIDs implicated.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis.
  • Causality was established between NSAID use and the development of aseptic meningitis.
  • This indicates NSAIDs can precipitate aseptic meningitis in susceptible individuals.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering drug-induced aseptic meningitis in differential diagnoses.
  • Suggests a need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding NSAID-associated aseptic meningitis.
  • Underscores the potential for NSAIDs, including rofecoxib, to cause serious neurological adverse events.

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