Drug-induced aseptic meningitis

Susan Hopkins1, Stephen Jolles

  • 1Royal Free Hospital, Department of Infection and Immunity, London, UK. hopkinss@tcd.ie

Insights

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is a rare adverse reaction. This review synthesizes literature on this idiosyncratic event following drug administration.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is a rare idiosyncratic adverse drug reaction.
  • It can occur following both local and systemic drug administration.
  • Understanding DIAM is crucial for patient safety and clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on drug-induced aseptic meningitis.
  • To collate and analyze data on this rare adverse event.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of DIAM.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of case reports and case series.
  • Synthesis of anecdotal data on drug-induced aseptic meningitis.
  • Analysis of reported instances of DIAM.

Main Results:

  • Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a rare, idiosyncratic event.
  • The condition is associated with various drug administrations.
  • Data is primarily derived from case reports and series.

Conclusions:

  • Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is an important clinical consideration.
  • Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and incidence of DIAM.
  • Awareness of DIAM is essential for healthcare professionals.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...