Aseptic meningitis associated with chronic sulindac use for osteoarthritis: a case report

We report a case of aseptic meningitis thought to be associated with chronic sulindac use in a patient with osteoarthritis. The patient was hospitalized with an acute onset of headache, nuchal rigidity, nausea, and blurred vision. Brain imaging was unremarkable and a lumbar puncture revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis. No infectious source was identified. The patient reported taking sulindac over the past year, it was discontinued, and symptoms promptly resolved. This case underscores the importance of obtaining a thorough drug history in conjunction with the knowledge of causative medications associated with aseptic meningitis. Given the widespread use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, clinicians must recognize that aseptic meningitis is a possible adverse effect of these medications.