Drug-induced aseptic meningitis in suspected central nervous system infections

Abstract

This study presents eight patients with drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) admitted to our centre with an initial suspicion of central nervous system (CNS) infection. In all patients clinical findings, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination, a cause-effect relationship according to the Naranjo adverse drug reactions probability scale and other diagnostic criteria required for DIAM recognition, were fulfilled. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most frequent cause of DIAM. In two cases, there was previous antimicrobial use. The time between use of the causative drug and onset of the symptoms ranged from 2 to 7 days. Clinical symptoms and CSF findings in patients with DIAM are indistinguishable from the early stage of infections of the CNS. Detailed anamnesis is essential, particularly related to medication use immediately prior to the appearance of symptoms of CNS impairment. In conclusion, the differential diagnosis of CNS infections should include DIAM.