Hypertrophic pachymeningitis with co-occurrence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and immunoglobulin G4 seropositivity: Case report and literature review

J Neuroimmunol. 2022 Jul 15:368:577896. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577896. Epub 2022 May 18.

Abstract

We report an extremely rare case of hypertrophic pachymeningitis in which a 71-year-old man presented with an intractable recurrent headache for >1 year. During this period, he became positive for immunoglobulin G4 and proteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed characteristic diffuse thickening of the dura. Symptoms were improved by intravenous methylprednisolone (500 mg per day for 5 days) and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy during corticosteroid withdrawal; he remained symptom-free during 1-year follow-up. This case suggests that this disease can be treated by corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressive agents.

Keywords: ANCA; Headache; Hypertrophic pachymeningitis; IgG4.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic*
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / diagnostic imaging
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningitis* / complications
  • Meningitis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningitis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents