Induction of complete and sustained remission of rheumatoid pachymeningitis by rituximab

Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Jun;60(6):1632-4. doi: 10.1002/art.24577.

Abstract

Aseptic pachymeningitis is a rare and serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, we describe a patient with rheumatoid factor-positive and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide-positive RA who experienced a focal seizure, with aphasia and convulsions of the right side of the body. The findings of magnetic resonance imaging and histologic analysis led to a diagnosis of rheumatoid pachymeningitis. Because the patient had a large number of CD20-expressing B lymphocytes, therapy with rituximab was started and has resulted in complete and sustained remission of both the pachymeningitis and the RA for >2 years. Despite a decrease in immunoglobulins, the patient has remained free of infections, which illustrates the favorable outcome that can result from therapeutic B cell depletion in this potentially lethal manifestation of RA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20 / metabolism
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningitis / diagnosis
  • Meningitis / drug therapy*
  • Meningitis / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission Induction
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Rituximab