Asymptomatic Crohn’s disease identified in a patient being treated with secukinumab: A case report

IL-17 antagonism is among the most potent treatments for psoriasis. Generally safe, new onset and exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease may occur in association with IL-17 therapy. We describe a patient with long-standing history of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in whom asymptomatic Crohn’s disease was identified during treatment with secukinumab. The patient underwent an elective colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening which revealed inflammation and multiple ulcers in the terminal ileum suggestive of Crohn’s disease. While the patient did not have any gastrointestinal symptoms, he was diagnosed as having asymptomatic Crohn’s disease. Given the association of inflammatory bowel disease with secukinumab treatment, secukinumab was discontinued. Although in this patient, Crohn’s disease was identified during treatment with secukinumab, a direct causal relationship cannot be assumed. Medications that are effective for both psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease may be a good choice in patients with psoriasis who have comorbid Crohn’s disease or develop inflammatory bowel disease during treatment with another biologic.