MedPeer Publisher

Isolated Splenic Tuberculosis During Adalimumab Therapy for Crohn’s Disease

Authors

Sara HDIYE, Samir MRABTI, Imane KARAM ˡ, Saad ASSILA, Mohamed ALLAOUI, Soukaina BAHHA, Rachida SAOUAB, Hassan SEDDIK

Journal Information

Journal: Medpeer Publisher

ISSN: 3066-2737

Volume: 3

Issue: 5

Date of Publication: 2026/05/07

DOI: 10.70780/medpeer.000QGSI

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a known opportunistic infection in patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) therapy. Extrapulmonary TB, particularly isolated splenic involvement, is rare and difficult to diagnose. We report a case of a Crohn’s disease patient treated with adalimumab who developed isolated splenic TB despite a negative baseline QuantiFERON-TB test. The patient presented with asthenia and general deterioration without respiratory symptoms. Imaging revealed hypodense splenic lesions. Splenic biopsy confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis by histopathology and PCR. Anti-TNF therapy was discontinued, and standard antitubercular therapy was initiated, resulting in clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance for TB during anti-TNF therapy, even after negative initial screening.

Keywords

Splenic tuberculosis; Crohn’s disease; Adalimumab; Anti-TNF; Extrapulmonary tuberculosis; QuantiFERON

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