Pachymeningitis and cerebral granuloma in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: is rituximab a promising treatment option?

Acta Reumatol Port. 2017 Jan-Mar;42(1):82-87.

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation involving upper and lower respiratory tract, kidneys and peripheral nervous system. However, central nervous system involvement is uncommon and frequently refractory to classical therapy. Rituximab has emerged as promising alternative, but published reports are scarce. We report a case of pachymeningitis and cerebral granuloma in a patient with a history of severe generalized GPA, treated with rituximab. This case illustrates the complexity of the management of neurologic manifestations and provides insight into the potential utility of rituximab in this condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Brain Diseases / etiology
  • Granuloma / drug therapy*
  • Granuloma / etiology
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / complications
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Meningitis / drug therapy*
  • Meningitis / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab