Inflammatory pachymeningitis (Q90281)

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis due to an inflammatory process including sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis. The syndrome is characterised by localised or diffuse thickening of the dura mater, although all three membranes may be involved. 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.