Recurrent aseptic meningitis secondary to intracranial epidermoids.

Two patients with recurrent aseptic meningitis are reported. Intracranial epidermoid tumors were eventually found in both patients. CSF changes in our first case with an epidermoid tumor were similar to those reported in Mollaret's meningitis, with an initial polymorphonuclear pleocytosis early in each attack, followed by a lymphocytic predominance several days later. Large cells which proved to be macrophages were also seen in the CSF of this patient. Both patients had meningitis attacks for several years before the underlying epidermoid tumor was found. Mollaret's meningitis remains a diagnosis of exclusion. These patients should remain tumor suspects for many years and deserve careful and repeated investigation.