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Published on: May 7, 2020
Aseptic meningitis after intrathecal baclofen injection
D Bensmail1, A Peskine, P Denys
1Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, Hôpital R Poincaré, Garches, France.
Study Design:
Two case reports of aseptic meningitis after intrathecal baclofen injection.
Objectives:
To report an unusual complication of intrathecal baclofen injection during test injections.
Setting:
Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, R Poincaré Hôpital (Paris-Ile de France-Ouest University).
Case Reports:
We present two cases of chemical meningitis after intrathecal baclofen injections by lumbar puncture. These cases presented with febrile meningeal syndromes during the 24 h following intrathecal baclofen injection. Direct cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination and CSF cultures were negative. An intense cellular reaction was observed with a marked predominance of neutrophils. Meningitis resolved spontaneously over 3-4 days.
Conclusions:
Chemical meningitis is a rare complication of intrathecal baclofen injections that must be recognized. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and its pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear.
Insights
Aseptic meningitis is a rare complication following intrathecal baclofen injections. This condition presents with fever and meningeal signs but resolves spontaneously within days.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intrathecal baclofen is used for spasticity management.
- Test injections precede long-term pump implantation.
Observation:
- Two patients developed fever and meningeal symptoms within 24 hours of intrathecal baclofen test injections.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed no infection but revealed a neutrophil-predominant inflammatory response.
Findings:
- The cases suggest chemical meningitis as a complication of intrathecal baclofen.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously within 3-4 days without specific treatment.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider chemical meningitis in patients with aseptic meningitis after intrathecal baclofen.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of this rare complication.
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