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Bektyrganova S, Kozhakhmet D, Kim A, Baigenzhin A, Togizbayev G, Doszhan A, Krivoruchkо N, Pak A, Peradze M, Sarsengaliyev T. A case report of extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid nodules in lungs. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e14904. [PMID: 37784218 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting joints but not limited to the joints alone. Extra-articular manifestations involve skin, ocular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, cardiac, renal, neurological, and hematological systems. Among them, skin manifestations (20%) are most common, presenting as nodules on the extensor surfaces of the upper and lower extremities. In rare cases these nodules can also be detected within the heart and lungs. Interestingly, rheumatoid nodules are often seen in patients on leflunomide, methotrexate, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists. Nevertheless, definitive diagnosis requires a histopathological analysis. In this case report, we presented a 49-year-old male patient with a relatively short period of disease activity leading to rheumatoid nodules in the lungs. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and that tuberculosis was still endemic in Kazakhstan, achieving the definite diagnosis was challenging. Initial imaging study revealed bilateral polysegmental pneumonia. The tests for COVID-19 and pulmonary tuberculosis were negative. A follow-up chest computed tomography scan had signs of disseminated lung lesions of unknown origin. Lung biopsy showed a morphological picture of productive granulomas characteristic for tuberculosis. However, at the second look, typical scarring granulomas typically seen in rheumatoid nodules were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saltanat Bektyrganova
- Department of Internal Medicine, JSC National Scientific Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Alexey Kim
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Abay Baigenzhin
- JSC National Scientific Medical Center, Chairman of the Board, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Galymzhan Togizbayev
- Department of Rheumatology, Kazakh National Medical University named after S.D. Asfendiyarov, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Qazaq College of Rheumatology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Ainur Doszhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, JSC National Scientific Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Natalya Krivoruchkо
- Department of Internal Medicine, JSC National Scientific Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Alexey Pak
- Department of Internal Medicine, JSC National Scientific Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Manana Peradze
- Department of Pathology, JSC National Scientific Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Timur Sarsengaliyev
- Department of Radiology, JSC National Scientific Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
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2
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Aktan Suzgun M, Erener N, Cavus GH, Ozdede A, Guner S, Ugurlu S, Comunoglu N, Kizilkilic O, Saip S. A review of rheumatoid meningitis with case studies. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2023; 7:340-346. [PMID: 36718604 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease involving synovial joints, and it is known that extra-articular manifestations that may affect the central and peripheral nervous systems may develop during its course. Rheumatoid meningitis is very rare among all neurological involvements. In this study, cases diagnosed as rheumatoid meningitis with clinical, imaging, laboratory, and histopathological features are presented, and the aim of the study is to present current approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid meningitis in the light of case studies and current literature. The data of the patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis in neurology clinic between 2017 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Three cases diagnosed with rheumatoid meningitis are presented in detail. In the first case, the diagnosis was reached by clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings as well as treatment response, while the diagnosis was made by histopathological verification in the second case. The third case shows that spontaneous remission can be observed in the course of rheumatoid meningitis. Rheumatoid meningitis, which is one of the rarest involvements in the course of RA, may present with headaches, focal neurological deficits, seizures, and altered consciousness. A meningeal biopsy is recommended when the differential diagnosis cannot be ruled out with imaging and laboratory findings. In the differential diagnosis Mucobacterium tuberculosis, syphilis, neuro-sarcoidosis, immunoglobulin G4-related disease, lymphoproliferative diseases, and systemic metastasis should be kept in mind. Aggressive RA management is recommended for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Aktan Suzgun
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nursena Erener
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gokce Hande Cavus
- Department of Pathology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Ozdede
- Department of Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sabriye Guner
- Department of Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdal Ugurlu
- Department of Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nil Comunoglu
- Department of Pathology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Kizilkilic
- Department of Radiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sabahattin Saip
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Mitrović J, Hrkač S, Tečer J, Golob M, Ljilja Posavec A, Kolar Mitrović H, Grgurević L. Pathogenesis of Extraarticular Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051262. [PMID: 37238933 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent and debilitating autoimmune inflammatory chronic diseases. Although it is primarily characterized by destructive peripheral arthritis, it is a systemic disease, and RA-related extraarticular manifestations (EAMs) can affect almost every organ, exhibit a multitude of clinical presentations, and can even be asymptomatic. Importantly, EAMs largely contribute to the quality of life and mortality of RA patients, particularly substantially increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is the leading cause of death in RA patients. In spite of known risk factors related to EAM development, a more in-depth understanding of its pathophysiology is lacking. Improved knowledge of EAMs and their comparison to the pathogenesis of arthritis in RA could lead to a better understanding of RA inflammation overall and its initial phases. Taking into account that RA is a disorder that has many faces and that each person experiences it and responds to treatments differently, gaining a better understanding of the connections between the joint and extra-joint manifestations could help to create new treatments and improve the overall approach to the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joško Mitrović
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stela Hrkač
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Tečer
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Majda Golob
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anja Ljilja Posavec
- Polyclinic for the Respiratory Tract Diseases, Prilaz Baruna Filipovića 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Helena Kolar Mitrović
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Zagreb University Hospital Center, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lovorka Grgurević
- Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Department of Proteomics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, "Drago Perovic", School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Angeloni B, Dalla Zanna G, Di Iorio R, Caliandro P. Non-infectious encephalopathy with recurrent stroke-like episodes: a case of rheumatoid meningitis. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:1437-1439. [PMID: 36538132 PMCID: PMC9764307 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Angeloni
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gianmarco Dalla Zanna
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Di Iorio
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Caliandro
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168, Rome, Italy
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Zhang H, Wan Y, Mei Z, Xie C, Liu S, Nie H, Hu F, Xu R. Case Report: Rheumatoid meningitis with positive NMDAR antibody: A case treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:971934. [PMID: 36275742 PMCID: PMC9585182 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.971934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the central nervous system (CNS), rheumatoid meningitis (RM) mainly affects the meninges and has various clinical symptoms. The diagnostic and treatment approaches currently used are not practical. RM cases with positive NMDAR antibodies (Abs) have never been reported. In the present study, a 66-year-old man with a 1-year history of RA presented recurrent left lower limb weakness during activities for 1 month. The results showed that rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) were positive in the serum, and NMDAR Abs were present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hyperintensity was observed in the leptomeninges of the right frontal and parietal lobes, and subtle hyperintensity was observed in the left frontal and parietal lobes, as indicated by brain MRI. A meningeal biopsy revealed non-specific inflammation with the absence of rheumatoid nodules. The patient was given IVIg on day 7 after admission. The clinical symptoms were relieved, the lesions were alleviated, and abnormal biochemical indicators were gradually recovered 1 week after initiation of the treatment, while NMDAR Abs were present in CSF even after treatment. After 5 months of follow-up, the patient’s serum and CSF ACPA and IL-6 levels were still high. The findings showed that brain MRI was adequate for the diagnosis of RM. ACPA and IL-6 might be the specific biomarkers for disease activity in RM. IVIg was effective as induction therapy for RM. Further studies should explore whether the presence of NMDAR Abs is associated with RM.
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Nooreen R, Nene S, Jain H, Prasannanjaneyulu V, Chitlangya P, Otavi S, Khatri DK, Raghuvanshi RS, Singh SB, Srivastava S. Polymer nanotherapeutics: A versatile platform for effective rheumatoid arthritis therapy. J Control Release 2022; 348:397-419. [PMID: 35660632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is an aggressive and severely debilitating disorder that is characterized by joint pain and cartilage damage. It restricts mobility in patients, leaving them unable to carry out simple tasks. RA presents itself with severe lasting pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and may cause permanent disability in patients. Treatment regimens currently employed for rheumatoid arthritis revolve around keeping clinical symptoms like joint pain, inflammation, swelling and stiffness at bay. The current therapeutic interventions in rheumatoid arthritis involve the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and newer biological drugs that are engineered for inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. These conventional drugs are plagued with severe adverse effects because of their higher systemic distribution, lack of specificity and higher doses. Oral, intra-articular, and intravenous routes are routinely used for drug delivery which is associated with decreased patient compliance, high cost, poor bioavailability and rapid systemic clearance. All these drawbacks have enticed researchers to create novel strategies for drug delivery, the main approach being nanocarrier-based systems. In this article, we aim to consolidate the remarkable contributions of polymeric carrier systems including microneedle technology and smart trigger-responsive polymeric carriers in the management of rheumatoid arthritis along with its detailed pathophysiology. This review also briefly describes the safety and regulatory aspects of polymer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimsha Nooreen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Shweta Nene
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Harsha Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Velpula Prasannanjaneyulu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Palak Chitlangya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Shivam Otavi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Department of Biological Science, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi
- Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, India
| | - Shashi Bala Singh
- Department of Biological Science, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India
| | - Saurabh Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India.
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El Hasbani G, El Ouweini H, Dabdoub F, Hourani R, Jawad AS, Uthman I. Rheumatoid Cerebral Vasculitis in a Patient in Remission. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CASE REPORTS 2022; 15:11795476221083114. [PMID: 35283656 PMCID: PMC8915229 DOI: 10.1177/11795476221083114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral vasculitis is a very rare extra-articular complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is often challenging to diagnose. Elevated titers of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) have been linked with severe complications. The absence of highly elevated titers of RF, anti-CCP, and ANA can complicate the diagnosis of RA-associated cerebral vasculitis. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman with long-standing arthritis maintained on rituximab and leflunomide who developed sudden headaches and altered level of consciousness. Laboratory work-up revealed normal lymphocyte count and mildly elevated total serum protein and anti-CCP with negative RF and ANA and no evidence for viral or bacterial infections. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF) showed slightly elevated anti-CCP with normal levels of CXCL-13 and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed ill-defined lesion of high T2 signal. Using MR angiogram, MR perfusion, and MR spectroscopy, the diagnosis of rheumatoid cerebral vasculitis was confirmed. The patient was treated with intravenous methyl-prednisolone with fast complete improvement. We conclude that adequate immunosuppression in RA might not be able to prevent rare extra-articular manifestations such as rheumatoid cerebral vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges El Hasbani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala El Ouweini
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatema Dabdoub
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roula Hourani
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Imad Uthman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Villa E, Sarquis T, de Grazia J, Núñez R, Alarcón P, Villegas R, Guevara C. Rheumatoid meningitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:3201-3210. [PMID: 33966315 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a neurological complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current evidence is based on case reports and partial reviews. METHODS This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA statement. The aim is to describe the characteristics of the disease, including clinical, imaging and laboratory findings, treatment, outcomes and prognosis reported in the literature. RESULTS In all, 103 studies with 130 cases were included. RM affected adults with an average age of 62 years, with or without a previous RA diagnosis. RA activity and time with the disease were associated with a worse prognosis. Most common clinical manifestations were transient focal neurological signs (64.6%), systemic symptoms (51.3%), episodic headache (50.4%) and neuropsychiatric alterations (47.7%). Joint manifestations were present in only 27.4% of cases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed unilateral or bilateral involvement, predominantly frontoparietal. Both pachymeninges and leptomeninges were affected, the latter more frequently (82.88%). The laboratory findings included increased levels of rheumatoid factor (89.71%), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (89.47%), C-reactive protein (82.54%) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (81.81%). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed an increase in the protein level (76.14%), with pleocytosis (85.19%) of mononuclear predominance (89.19%). Biopsy was performed in 72.52% of the patients. Corticosteroid pulse therapy was the main induction therapy. Disease relapse occurred in 31.17% of patients, whilst 54.54% had a full recovery. CONCLUSIONS Rheumatoid meningitis must be considered in adult patients with or without RA diagnosis, high-dose corticosteroid induction therapy should be installed and maintenance therapy plays a key role. It is not recommended to use anti-TNF as an induction therapy. Nowadays, RM has a significantly better outcome. These findings may aid clinicians in timely RM diagnosis and treatment, thus improving its outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Villa
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Teresita Sarquis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José de Grazia
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - René Núñez
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Alarcón
- Genetic Section, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Villegas
- Program in Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Guevara
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Aseptic meningitis in rheumatoid arthritis after anti-TNF administration: a case-based literature review. Rheumatol Int 2021; 41:1845-1853. [PMID: 33751192 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by articular and extra-articular manifestations. Among extra-articular involvement, rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a rare condition, which may exhibit variable symptoms including headache, focal and/or generalized neurologic deficits. It may develop as the preceding manifestation of RA or occur at any time of the disease course. Some drugs used for the treatment of RA may give rise to aseptic meningitis or create a tendency to infectious meningitis due to their immunosuppressive effect. All these possibilities may lead to difficulties in the differential diagnosis. Achieving a diagnosis in a short time is crucial in terms of prognosis. Here, we would like to report a case with longstanding RA manifested by left-sided weakness and seizure shortly after initiating etanercept (ETA) therapy. ETA-induced meningitis was confirmed with appropriate diagnostic tools. Our aim with this case-based review is to attract the attention of this rare condition and discuss diagnostic challenges.
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