Asymptomatic rheumatoid meningitis revealed by magnetic resonance imaging, followed by systemic rheumatic vasculitis: A case report and a review of the literature

Abstract

We report the case of a 66-year-old man with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who developed neurologically asymptomatic rheumatoid meningitis (RM) revealed by MRI. RM worsened and chest CT showed pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, and bilateral consolidation, and his serum C3 level was decreased. We diagnosed systemic rheumatic vasculitis based on these findings. After a review of more than 20 previously reported cases of RM, this is the first case of RM without central nerve system symptoms.

Keywords:

• Central nervous system
• Extra-articular manifestations
• Malignant rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatoid vasculitis

Conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.