Rheumatoid meningitis: a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

We present a case of a 60-year-old Caucasian woman with a 23-year history of rheumatoid arthritis, who presented with a 2-week history of headache and cognitive/behavioural changes. On the basis of clinical features, radiology, laboratory data and meningeal biopsy, a diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis was performed. High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone was used as initial treatment followed by oral prednisone. The patient’s symptoms improved and repeat MRI scans confirmed resolution of the meningeal lesions. The clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis is difficult, but it must be considered in patients with long- standing rheumatoid arthritis presenting with neurological symptoms. Glucocorticoids or other immunomodulatory therapy are the mainstay of treatment.