Mollaret's meningitis: an unusual disease with a characteristic presentation

Abstract

Mollaret's meningitis (benign recurrent aseptic meningitis) is a rare syndrome with characteristic features. Patients present with recurrent attacks of meningismus which are sudden in onset and last from one to seven days. During the attacks the spinal fluid shows pleocytosis with lymphocyte predominance. Large endothelial cells with indistinct cytoplasm (Mollaret's cells) are typically present in the CSF. The attacks resolve spontaneously and without sequellae. Symptom-free intervals can be as brief as a few days or as long as several years. Though specific treatment is not available, Colchicine has been reported to decrease the severity and frequency of attacks. While acute episodes may cause significant symptoms, the long-term prognosis is excellent.