Disseminated Tuberculosis in a Patient Taking Anti-TNF Therapy for Crohn's Disease

A man in his sixth decade with Crohn's colitis and who had been taking infliximab for 18 months presented with fever and weight loss. Chest CT showed numerous nodules in both lungs, and sputum culture grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Colonoscopy showed circumferential ulcerations from the cecum to the descending colon, and biopsies showed extensive granulomas with central necrosis, positive for acid-fast bacteria. Brain MRI revealed a thalamic ring-enhanced mass with edema, consistent with tuberculoma. Clinicians should be aware of the appropriate screening and close monitoring of tuberculosis before and during anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy.