英文摘要 |
Biologics are known to increase the risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Guidelines have recommended that effective TB screening should be routinely carried out in RA patients before receiving biologics. A 49-year-old woman was admitted due to acute onset of fever, dry cough, and right pleural effusion. She was diagnosed with RA at 47 years of age. She had been treated with adalimumab for 5 months 1 year after diagnosis, but the regimen was stopped due to pneumonia. She was then treated with tocilizumab for the most recent 8 months. TB screening before using adalimumab and tocilizumab, including Quantiferon-TB-Gold in tube tests was negative. Chest computed tomography revealed consolidation in right lower lung field with cavitation, and right pleural effusion with thickened pleura. The pleural effusion were negative for acid-fast stain, TB culture and polymerase chain reaction. Thoracoscopic decortication of the pleura was performed and tuberculous pleurisy was diagnosed. Patients with RA who were treated with biologics are vulnerable to TB. The use of Quantiferon-TB-Gold in tube test for the diagnosis of TB pleurisy was not recommended. |