HLA-B27 associated spondyloarthropathy, vasculitis, and amyloid enteropathy: response to infliximab

Abstract

In 2000 we described a patient with HLA-B27 associated spondyloarthropathy (SpA) and severe ascending aortitis requiring surgical intervention. Despite continued immunosuppressive therapy she developed narrowing of the distal part of the right subclavian artery and proximal axillary artery secondary to active vasculitis. In addition, biopsy-proven amyloid gastroenteropathy developed causing persistent diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia. Treatment with infliximab resulted in resolution of joint symptoms and rapid improvement in laboratory markers of inflammation. Diarrhea settled more gradually, such that her bowel habit had normalized 16 months after therapy commenced.