A Differential Diagnosis of Drug-Induced Aseptic Meningitis

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of viral/aseptic meningitis. Clinicians should use historical clues in patients presenting with signs and symptoms of viral meningitis to aid in the differentiation of drug-induced aseptic meningitis from other causes of aseptic meningitis. Viruses are the most common cause of aseptic meningitis, with enteroviruses being the most common among viruses in cases presenting as aseptic meningitis. Ibuprofen is currently the most common cause of drug-induced aseptic meningitis. Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a benign condition without long-term sequelae. The diagnosis of druginduced aseptic meningitis is made by establishing a causal relationship between the use of the drug and the onset of signs and symptoms, supported by negative tests for infectious causes of symptoms and rapidity of resolution after the drug is discontinued. [Infect Med. 2008;25:331-334]