Mollaret meningitis G03.2

Special form of the so-called "benign chronic recurrent meningitis" (Diaz-Hurtado M et al. 2006).

Herpes simplex viruses (more frequently HSV 2) are probably the trigger of the disease.

In general, the disease has a self-limiting course, although a recurrent course lasting several years is possible.

CSF typically contains pleocytosis with large endothelial cells (so-called mollaret cells), which are not pathognomic. HSV-2-PCR detection is occasionally successful.

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM), which has identical symptoms and develops after administration of mainly NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) and various antibiotics (Hopkins S et al. 2005)

1. Diaz-Hurtado M et al (2006) Vidal-Tolosa A. Drug-induced aseptic meningitis: A physician's challenge. J Natl Med Assoc 98: 457
2. Hopkins S et al (2005) Drug-induced aseptic meningitis. Expert Opinion Drug Saf 4: 2985-2971