Rheumatoid Meningitis As A Complication Of Long-Standing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Treated With Rituximab

Rheumatoid meningitis is a rare complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. We present the case of a 39-year-old Bolivian woman with a history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis of 12 years of evolution without extra-articular manifestations that develops a severe headache with vomiting. The diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis was performed based on clinical history, blood count and biochemistry results, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings. High-dose intravenous glucocorticoids were started, followed by rituximab. After treatment, a significant clinical improvement was observed and repeat magnetic resonance imaging scan confirmed an improvement of the meningeal lesions.