Rheumatoid meningitis as a complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis: a case treated with rituximab

Abstract

Rheumatoid meningitis is a rare complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. We present the case of a 39-year-old Bolivian woman with a history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis of 12 years of evolution without extra-articular manifestations that develops a severe headache with vomiting. The diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis was performed based on clinical history, blood count and biochemistry results, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings. High-dose intravenous glucocorticoids were started, followed by rituximab. After treatment, a significant clinical improvement was observed and repeat magnetic resonance imaging scan confirmed an improvement of the meningeal lesions.

Keywords:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• rheumatoid meningitis
• magnetic resonance imaging
• rituximab

Acknowledgement

No specific funding was received from any funding bodies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors to carry out the work described in this manuscript.

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Patient consent

The patient signed her written informed consent prior to their inclusion in the report.

Conflict of interest

None.