Infliximab Induced Leukoencephalopathy and Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report and a Review of Literature

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic, chronic condition in which tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is thought to play a role [1]. Infliximab (IFX) is a chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody that has a potent anti-inflammatory effect [2]. IFX is currently used as a treatment for severe active cases of IBD in both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) that are unresponsive to conventional therapy [2]. The most common side effects of IFX are the increased risks of developing severe infections, hypersensitivity reactions and malignancies.3 Rare cases of neurological complications secondary to IFX use have been reported including Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating poly-radiculo-neuropathy and neuropathy [3]. Here, we describe a rare case of demyelinating leukoencephalopathy in a patient with UC managed with IFX.