Pulmonary cryptococcosis after initiation of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy

Abstract

Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis are being treated with immunosuppressive regimens that include an agent directed at blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Although reportedly safe, tuberculous and fungal infections have emerged as significant complications of therapy. We report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis soon after the initiation of therapy with the anti-TNF-alpha antibody, infliximab. A diagnosis was made early in the disease course, and the patient responded quickly to antifungal therapy. This case should alert clinicians to the increased incidence of pulmonary mycoses in patients receiving anti-TNF-alpha therapy.