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Aseptic meningitis and ischemic stroke in relapsing polychondritis
Kai-Cheng Hsu1, Yih-Ru Wu, Rong-Kuo Lyu
1Second Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Clinical Rheumatology
|July 27, 2005
Summary
Relapsing polychondritis (RP), a rare cartilage disease, can affect the central nervous system. This case study shows RP with meningitis and cerebral infarction, both treated successfully with steroids.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease.
- Characterized by inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous tissues.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in RP is infrequent.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman presented with initial symptoms of RP and meningitis.
- A subsequent RP flare was associated with a left cerebral infarction.
- The patient's neurological and RP symptoms responded to steroid treatment.
Findings:
- This case highlights an uncommon presentation of relapsing polychondritis involving the central nervous system.
- Demonstrates the potential for RP to manifest with both meningitis and ischemic stroke.
- Steroid therapy proved effective in managing both the initial and subsequent disease episodes.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering CNS complications in relapsing polychondritis patients.
- Suggests a potential role for immunosuppressive therapy in managing RP-associated neurological events.
- Contributes to understanding the diverse clinical spectrum of this rare autoimmune disorder.