Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
[Rheumatoid Meningitis]
Tetsuya Abe1, Takamasa Shirayoshi, Masaki Takao
1Department of Neurology, Yamaguchi Prefectural Medical Center.
Abstract:
Rheumatoid meningitis, a central nervous system complication of rheumatoid arthritis, has low morbidity but poor prognosis without treatment. Contrast-enhanced meningeal lesions on one side of the brain on MRI and hyperintensity of the pia mater on FLAIR image are characteristic features and should trigger the suspicion of rheumatoid meningitis. Steroids are effective for treatment, and good outcomes can be obtained through early diagnosis and intervention.
Insights
Rheumatoid meningitis, a rare central nervous system complication of rheumatoid arthritis, is serious but treatable. Early diagnosis via MRI and FLAIR imaging, followed by steroid treatment, significantly improves patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid meningitis is a severe central nervous system complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
- It carries a poor prognosis if left untreated.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight characteristic imaging findings of rheumatoid meningitis.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of characteristic MRI findings, including contrast-enhanced meningeal lesions.
- Identification of specific FLAIR image hyperintensity patterns in the pia mater.
Main Results:
- Contrast-enhanced meningeal lesions on one side of the brain on MRI are indicative.
- Pia mater hyperintensity on FLAIR images are key diagnostic features.
- These findings should prompt suspicion for rheumatoid meningitis.
Conclusions:
- Rheumatoid meningitis requires prompt diagnosis and intervention.
- Steroid therapy is an effective treatment for this condition.
- Early diagnosis and treatment lead to good patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...

