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Relapsing polychondritis and aseptic meningitis
A M Berg1, J Kasznica, P Hopkins
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Aseptic meningitis is a rare complication of relapsing polychondritis. We describe a 60-year-old man who developed a prolonged episode of aseptic meningitis for which no cause could be determined and, that resolved spontaneously. He then developed classic relapsing polychondritis 14 months later. He subsequently had another episode of prolonged meningitis complicated by hydrocephalus. No infectious cause for the meningitis could be determined after extensive investigation including meningeal biopsy. The patient responded to corticosteroids and antituberculous therapy.
Insights
Aseptic meningitis, a rare relapsing polychondritis complication, occurred in a patient before polychondritis diagnosis. Treatment with corticosteroids and antituberculous therapy proved effective for recurrent meningitis and hydrocephalus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aseptic meningitis is an uncommon manifestation of relapsing polychondritis.
- Relapsing polychondritis is a rare systemic inflammatory disease affecting cartilaginous structures.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old man experienced prolonged aseptic meningitis, resolving spontaneously.
- He later developed classic relapsing polychondritis and subsequent meningitis with hydrocephalus.
Findings:
- Extensive investigations, including meningeal biopsy, ruled out infectious causes for meningitis.
- The patient showed improvement with corticosteroids and antituberculous therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for aseptic meningitis to precede or accompany relapsing polychondritis.
- It underscores the importance of considering relapsing polychondritis in unexplained aseptic meningitis, especially when recurrent or complicated.
- The positive response to combined therapy suggests a potential treatment strategy for similar cases.