Adalimumab-induced Anti-neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Antibody Vasculitis: A Rare Complication of an Increasingly Common Treatment

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are used for treatment of different autoimmune diseases. Interestingly they are also being noted to cause autoimmune side effects such as vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, interstitial lung disease, etc. We describe one such case of granuloma annulare being treated with Adalimumab, who then developed pulmonary-renal syndrome form anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-induced vasculitis. This was treated with steroids and immunosuppression, as well as discontinuation of the TNF inhibitor. However, he remains dependant on dialysis and immunosuppression. In this article, we review the existing literature on clinical presentation and course of TNF inhibitors-induced ANCA vasculitis. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms thought to be responsible for this.

Keywords: adverse drug reactions; anca vasculitis; tnf inhibitor.

Figure 1. Axial CT chest image showing bilateral diffuse opacities (arrows)

Figure 2. Coronal CT chest image showing bilateral basilar opacities (arrows)

Figure 3. Renal biopsy images showing crescentic glomerulonephritis