Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (Q97636)

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is characterised by localised or diffuse thickening of the dura mater. It may be idiopathic or secondary to inflammatory disorders, infections, immune-mediated disorders and malignancies. The cranial dura, spinal dura or both may be involved. The clinical features reflect the part of the neuraxis affected and may include headache, cranial nerve palsies, ataxia, paraparesis, sensory loss and loss of sphincter control. Diagnosis may be confirmed by neuroimaging, spinal fluid analysis and meningeal biopsy.