Treatment-resistant lingual Crohn's disease disappears after infliximab

Abstract

Oral manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD) are not uncommon, but they can be difficult to diagnose and treat. We describe a patient with long-standing CD and a lingual ulcer, which we attributed to CD. The oral lesions were unresponsive to conventional therapy such as steroids, mesalamine, and other topical agents. There was an excellent response to infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). In the context of this case we discuss the various differential diagnoses. Furthermore, we report on different therapeutic options and their effectiveness. Oral manifestations of CD, which are refractory to systemic steroids and mesalamine, show an excellent response to infliximab.

• Infliximab
• lingual Crohn's disease
• treatment of resistant Crohn's disease