Psoriasis induced by anti-TNF-alpha agents in a patient with Crohn’s disease: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) inhibitors revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune diseases, for instance, inflammatory bowel diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, and arthritis. This treatment has a good safety profile; nevertheless, its prolonged use increases the risk of adverse reactions, particularly, dermatological lesions. Herein, we present the case of a sixty-year-old female with a five-year history of Crohn’s disease and segmental vitiligo, who developed psoriatic lesions (paradoxical reaction) after the second injection of adalimumab. The diagnosis was confirmed by a skin biopsy, and the patient was treated with topical corticosteroids. After two months of clinical follow-up, we achieved a complete healing of all lesions. Key words: Psoriasis; TNF; Crohn’s disease; Skin; Corticosteroids; Biopsy; Adalimumab