Inflammatory bowel disease of the lung: The role of infliximab?

Respir Med Case Rep. 2015 May 27:15:85-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2015.05.012. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Pulmonary extra-intestinal manifestations (EIM) of inflammatory bowel disease are well described with a variable incidence. We present a case of Crohn's disease with pulmonary EIM including chronic bronchitis with non-resolving bilateral cavitary pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymphadenopathy successfully treated with infliximab. Additionally, we present a case summary from a literature review on pulmonary EIM successfully treated with infliximab. Current treatment recommendations include an inhaled and/or systemic corticosteroid regimen which is largely based on case reports and expert opinion. We offer infliximab as an adjunctive therapy or alternative to corticosteroids for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease related pulmonary EIM.

Keywords: EIM, extra-intestinal manifestations; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; Inflammatory bowel disease; Infliximab; Pulmonary extraintestinal manifestations; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports