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Recurrent benign lymphocytic (mollaret) meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Jamal Mikdashi1, Stacy Kennedy, Allan Krumholz

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. jmikdash@umaryland.edu

The Neurologist
|January 16, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause aseptic meningitis. A rare case of recurrent, benign lymphocytic aseptic meningitis in an SLE patient suggests a link to Mollaret meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Aseptic meningitis is a rare neuropsychiatric manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • Potential causes include medications, infections, and malignancy.
  • Recurrent aseptic meningitis in SLE presents diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • A unique case of a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient experiencing 10 episodes of recurrent, benign, self-limited lymphocytic aseptic meningitis is presented.
  • The patient had no history of meningitis-inducing medications, and no infectious or chronic meningitis etiology was identified.
  • Symptoms resolved spontaneously without neurological deficits.

Findings:

  • The patient's presentation suggests Mollaret meningitis.
  • Recurrent benign lymphocytic aseptic meningitis was confirmed in this SLE patient.
  • The meningitis episodes were self-limited with complete recovery.

Implications:

  • This case supports classifying noninfectious Mollaret meningitis as a neuropsychiatric manifestation of SLE.
  • Recognizing this pattern can aid in diagnosing and managing similar complex cases in SLE patients.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of noninfectious Mollaret meningitis in SLE is warranted.

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