PubMed Central
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
People with Crohn’s disease on anti‑TNF biologics can rarely develop severe infections that trigger life‑threatening hyperinflammatory syndromes like HLH. Early recognition and bone marrow testing can identify treatable infections such as Leishmania and guide lifesaving therapy and subsequent IBD management choices.
Who Should Pay Attention
Adult patients with Crohn’s disease on anti‑TNF therapy, gastroenterologists, infectious disease specialists, and hospital clinicians evaluating unexplained fever with cytopenias.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeResearch paper
Source depthMetadata only
What To Know
This is a case report of a 31-year-old man with Crohn’s disease on escalated anti-TNF therapy who developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) triggered by visceral leishmaniasis. Bone marrow showed hemophagocytosis and Leishmania amastigotes; treatment with liposomal amphotericin B led to resolution.
Anti-TNF was stopped and the patient was switched to an anti–IL-12/23 biologic for IBD control.
Keep In Mind
This report is a single-case clinical report from an academic journal. Visceral leishmaniasis is uncommon outside endemic areas, so clinicians should consider travel/exposure history. The article describes management in one patient and does not provide broader outcome data or comparative evidence.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Research paper
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationPubMed Central
JournalCase Rep Gastrointest Med
AuthorsPelligra, Caterina, Bolis, Lorenzo, Costantino, Andrea +1 more
Indexed viaPubMed Central
Source typeResearch repository record
PublishedJul 28, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableMetadata only
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Visceral Leishmaniasis-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient With Crohn's Disease in Therapy With Anti-TNFα: A Challenging Diagnostic Case Report.
HLH is a rare but serious complication in immunosuppressed IBD patients; visceral leishmaniasis can trigger HLH and may be overlooked outside endemic areas. Early bone marrow assessment can speed diagnosis and treatment.
Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease patients
People with pediatric‑onset Crohn’s disease on long‑term thiopurines may be at risk for severe EBV‑related complications like HLH; recognizing HLH early can be lifesaving. The case supports considering EBV screening...
Isolated Vulvar Crohn's Disease with Co-existing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Diagnostic Pitfall in Adolescent and Young Adult Gynecology - A Case Report.
Extra‑intestinal Crohn’s disease can first appear as chronic vulvar swelling and pain, which may be misdiagnosed in adolescents and young adults.