Granulomatous meningitis due to rheumatoid arthritis

Marie Céline Duray, Eric Marchand, Sophie Gohy, Birgit Weynand, Béatrice de Coene, Patrice Laloux

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Meningoencephalitis is a rare but aggressive complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The most common complications of RA occur in the severe and chronic stages of the disease. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. The symptoms are usually nonspecific, and arthralgia may be missing. Brain MRI and CSF analysis are useful to guide the diagnosis. However, a biopsy is required to demonstrate the existence of granulomatous lesions and the lack of mycobacterium infection. Early detection is essential to prevent neurological complications. Treatment consists of intravenous high doses of corticoid followed by oral tapered doses associated with immunosuppressive therapy. The present case is remarkable by the presence of granulomatous lesions in the lung and meninges and the dramatic improvement after immunosuppressive therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)193-197
Number of pages5
JournalActa Neurologica Belgica
Volume112
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Granulomatous lesion
  • Immunosuppressive treatment
  • Meningitis
  • Meningoencephalitis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

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