[Analysis of 62 adult patients with viral meningitis].

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and auxiliary examination findings of adult viral meningitis.

Methods: 62 adult patients with viral meningitis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Headache occurred in all the 62 (100%) patients, fever occurred in 61 (98%) patients, meningeal irritation sign occurred in 48 (77%) patients. The abduction of left eye was limited in one patient. Seizure occurred in 2 patients. The mean duration time was 17 days, 93% patients less than 30 days. The pressure of CSF increased in 80% patients, leukocyte counts increased in 91% patients, protein level increased in 81% patients, chloride level was normal in 35% patients and slightly lower in 65% patients, glucose level was normal in 94% patients. 7 patients had positive IgM antibody of Coxackievirus B group both in serum and CSF, one patient had positive IgM antibody of EB virus in CSF. Cranial CT scan had no special findings in all patients. 23 patients performed MRI examination, meningeal enhancement occurred in 9 patients. 52% patients had abnormal EEG, mainly increased local or diffuse slow waves.

Conclusion: Adult viral meningitis was a kind of self-limited disease, chloride level was slightly lower in more than half patients, meningeal enhancement was detected in MRI in part patients.