Aseptic meningitis: a 2-year review of diagnoses reached in a tertiary neurological and infectious disease centre.
BACKGROUND
Aseptic meningitis is a frequent diagnostic problem, with little data available regarding its prevalence and the commonly identified causes.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the common diagnostic tests requested, and their subsequent yields in obtaining a diagnosis in adult cases of aseptic meningitis in a tertiary neurological and infectious disease centre.


METHODS
Cases of aseptic meningitis were retrospectively reviewed for a 2-year period.


RESULTS
Of the 43 cases reviewed, a diagnosis based on subsequent microbiological, histological and immunological testing was obtained in 17 (40%). Altered levels of consciousness, and higher CSF protein levels were significantly more common in those patients attaining a definite diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The median duration of admission to hospital in the undiagnosed group was 12 days, which may be improved with increased accuracy and availability of diagnostic techniques such as polymerase chain reaction.
O'Sullivan
S S
SS
Department of Neurology, St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. seansosullivan@hotmail.com
O'Connell
B
B
Redmond
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008297:Male; D008582:Meningitis, Aseptic / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins