Adalimumab-associated pulmonary cryptococcosis

Abstract

This is the first report of adalimumab-associated pulmonary cryptococcosis. A 56-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis without a history of pulmonary disease was simultaneously administered adalimumab (40 mg/2 wks), methotrexate (4 mg/wk), and isoniazid (200 mg/ day). Five months later, chest radiography revealed a small spiculated pulmonary nodule, and the laboratory test results, including levels of tumor markers and plasma β-D-glucan, were within normal ranges. Since the lesion continued to grow, even after discontinuing adali-mumab, it was surgically resected. Grocott staining of the tissue sample revealed black-brown fungi, identified as Cryptococcus neoformans in culture. The patient now remains well, without adalimumab therapy. © 2011 The Editorial Committee of Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. All rights reserved.