Background: Inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system may be linked to anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy.
Case history: A 19-year-old female with Crohn's ileocolitis developed right arm and leg numbness and right hand weakness 4 weeks after the initiation of infliximab. Neurologic examination confirmed upper and lower right extremity sensory and motor deficits. MRI examination of the head and thoracic cord showed multiple gadolinium-enhancing lesions with distribution and configuration most suggestive of multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating process. The infliximab therapy was immediately stopped and follow-up at 8 weeks revealed symptomatic improvement.
Conclusion: This case report describes the onset of a demyelinating process after the institution of infliximab therapy in a patient with Crohn's disease.