TB Research

Granulomas Galore: Concomitant Granulomatous Infections in a Patient With Crohn's Disease

Michael Gianarakis, Alexander Gianarakis, Safia Ahmed, John Pueringer, Ushan A. Ranasinghe

Cureus · 2024-02

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors are effective biologics in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease; however, they increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections. We report a case of a 74-year-old female with Crohn's disease who developed concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis [MTB]) and Histoplasmosis capsulatum infection while on adalimumab. Co-infection is rare in patients on TNF-alpha inhibitor therapy, and most cases have been reported in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This was a challenging case for diagnosis and treatment due to indistinguishable presenting symptoms of both infections, similar laboratory and radiographical findings, and a clinical course complicated by drug-drug interactions and worsening of symptoms despite therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Concomitant
  • Adalimumab
  • Tuberculosis
  • Crohn's disease
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Infliximab
  • Disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Immunology
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Dermatology
  • Internal medicine