Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF) therapy is a standard of care in the management of many inflammatory conditions. However, anti-TNF pharmaceuticals increases the risk of reactivating tuberculosis making screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) a requirement prior to initiating therapy.
A middle-aged male from China with a past medical history of LTBI and Crohn's disease, previously on infliximab, presented to the United States for a second opinion on his abdominal pain. He also reported new onset visual changes. Ophthalmology evaluation revealed a 4 cm choroid mass of his left eye and a CT scan of the abdomen showed diffuse lymphadenopathy and lesions in his liver, spleen, and lung. He was admitted for treatment of miliary tuberculosis.
Immunocompromised patients are a unique population that brings challenges to LTBI testing.
Clinicians should know the most up to date screening tools for LTBI and diagnostic workup for active tuberculosis infection.