IgA vasculitis associated with anti-TNF-α inhibitors in a patient with Crohn's disease

Anti-TNF-α inhibitors have been widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Although they have good clinical efficacy and tolerance, they remain a matter of concern because they cause drug-induced autoimmune disorders as side effects. Here, we report a case of a patient with Crohn's disease who developed IgA vasculitis after infliximab and adalimumab treatment. A 17-year-old male with Crohn's disease who had received scheduled infliximab treatment for the preceding 19 months complained of purpura on his lower limbs. He was diagnosed with infliximab-induced IgA vasculitis. Switching infliximab to adalimumab resulted in rapid improvement of the condition. However, 21 months after switching to adalimumab, his purpura recurred. Drug-induced IgA vasculitis is a rare complication caused by infliximab and adalimumab; however, diagnosis in the early phase and appropriate management of patients receiving anti-TNF-α inhibitors is critical to a successful patient outcome.