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[Pachymeningitis associated with probable Horton's disease: a case report]

E Ait Benhaddou1, A Zinebi, M Elhassani

  • 1Service de neurologie B et de neurogénitique, Rabat institut, hôpital des Spécialités, BP 6402, Rabat, Maroc. elaitbenha@yahoo.fr

Revue Neurologique
|June 6, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Horton's disease, a common vasculitis in the elderly, can exceptionally cause pachymeningitis. Prompt diagnosis and corticosteroid treatment led to a good outcome in a case of Horton's disease presenting with pachymeningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Horton's disease (Giant Cell Arteritis) is the most prevalent vasculitis affecting elderly individuals.
  • Neurological complications are recognized, yet pachymeningitis is an uncommon manifestation.

Observation:

  • A 71-year-old presented with headache, scalp hyperesthesia, weight loss, and inflammatory markers.
  • Cerebral MRI revealed meningeal thickening, leading to the diagnosis of pachymeningitis secondary to Horton's disease.

Findings:

  • The patient received corticosteroid therapy.
  • A 22-month follow-up showed significant clinical, biological, and radiological improvement.

Implications:

  • Horton's disease should be considered in elderly patients presenting with pachymeningitis and an inflammatory syndrome.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of Horton's disease-related pachymeningitis can lead to favorable outcomes.

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