Infliximab (IFX) is an anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) agent that is widely used for the management of a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease (CD). As a result of its increasing administration, new complications have emerged. Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, secondary to IFX therapy, is a rare but life-threatening complication.
A 27-year-old man was diagnosed with CD (Montreal A2L3B1) 6 years prior. After failing to respond to mesalazine and methylprednisolone, he took the first dose of IFX 300 mg based on his weight (60 kg, dose 5 mg/kg) on December 3, 2018. He responded well to this therapy. However, on January 21, 2019, 1 wk after the third injection, he suddenly developed dyspnea, fever, and worsening weakness and was admitted to our hospital. On admission, computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a large pericardial effusion and a small right-side pleural effusion. An echocardiogram showed a large pericardial effusion and normal left ventricular function. Then successful ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was performed and 600 mL hemorrhagic fluid was drained. There was no evidence of infection and the concentrations of TNF-α, IFX, and anti-IFX antibody were 7.09 pg/mL (reference range < 8.1 pg/mL), < 0.4 μg/mL (> 1.0 μg/mL), and 373 ng/mL (< 30 ng/mL), respectively. As the IFX instruction manual for injection does mention pericardial effusion as a rare adverse reaction (≥ 1/10000, < 1/1000), so we discontinued the IFX. Monitoring of the patient's echocardiogram for 2 mo without IFX therapy showed no recurrence of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Follow-up visits and examinations every 3 to 6 mo until April 2021 showed no recurrence of CD or pericardial effusion.
This is a case of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion following treatment with IFX. It is a rare but life-threatening complication of IFX. Early recognition helps prevent the occurrence of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion and minimize the impact on the natural evolution of the disease.