Trimethoprim and sulfonamide-associated meningoencephalitis with MRI correlates

Neurology. 1996 Feb;46(2):556-8. doi: 10.1212/wnl.46.2.556.

Abstract

Early recognition of trimethoprim and sulfonamide-induced aseptic meningitis is important because drug cessation leads to rapid clinical improvement. We present clinical and laboratory findings in two typical cases. In both cases, MRI revealed previously undescribed diffuse white matter abnormalities that resolved within a few months. These MRI findings are important because they may aid in early diagnosis of this condition in the appropriate clinical setting. In addition, the white matter abnormalities suggest an encephalitic component in addition to the meningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / adverse effects*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Erythromycin / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / chemically induced*
  • Meningoencephalitis / pathology
  • Sulfisoxazole / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary
  • Erythromycin
  • Sulfisoxazole
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination