Case Report
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2013; 19(32): 5377-5380
Published online Aug 28, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i32.5377
Noninfectious interstitial lung disease during infliximab therapy: Case report and literature review
Roberta Caccaro, Edoardo Savarino, Renata D’Incà, Giacomo Carlo Sturniolo
Roberta Caccaro, Edoardo Savarino, Renata D’Incà, Giacomo Carlo Sturniolo, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, Gastroenterology Section, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
Author contributions: All authors conceived the manuscript and acquired and revised the data; Caccaro R drafted the manuscript; all authors revised the manuscript and gave final approval of the version to be published.
Correspondence to: Roberta Caccaro, MD, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, Gastroenterology Section, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy. roberta.caccaro@gmail.com
Telephone: +39-49-8215656 Fax: +39-49-8760820
Received: March 8, 2013
Revised: May 27, 2013
Accepted: June 1, 2013
Published online: August 28, 2013
Processing time: 171 Days and 20.8 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Safety during anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy is a major concern. Paradoxical inflammatory and autoimmune phenomena can be induced by this treatment and should always be considered. Interstitial lung disease is an emerging complication often observed early after the beginning of treatment, particularly when combination immunosuppressive regimens are employed. This case demonstrates that interstitial lung disease can also occur later during anti-TNF-α treatment and during monotherapy. Thus, great vigilance is recommended when patients start complaining of any respiratory symptom.