Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2004 Jan;10(1):28-31
Thomas CW Jr, Weinshenker BG, Sandborn WJ.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester,
MN 55905, USA.
BACKGROUND:
Inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system may be linked to anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy.
CASE HISTORY:
A 19-year-old female with Crohn's ileocolitis developed right arm and leg numbness and right hand weakness 4 weeks after the initiation of infliximab.
Neurologic examination confirmed upper and lower right extremity sensory and motor deficits.
MRI examination of the head and thoracic cord showed multiple gadolinium-enhancing lesions with distribution and configuration most suggestive of multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating process.
The infliximab therapy was immediately stopped and follow-up at 8 weeks revealed symptomatic improvement.
CONCLUSION:
This case report describes the onset of a demyelinating process after the institution of infliximab therapy in a patient with Crohn's disease.