Refractory Lymphocytic Enterocolitis and Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonist Therapy

Background & Aims: Lymphocytic enterocolitis is a malabsorptive syndrome characterized by severe small-bowel villous abnormality and crypt hyperplasia and dense infiltrate of lymphocytes throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: We present 2 patients with lymphocytic enterocolitis refractory to usual medical therapy who were treated with tumor necrosis factor antagonists. Results: Both patients had clinical improvement in diarrheal symptoms and intestinal histologic abnormalities. Conclusions: Tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists such as infliximab or adalimumab may be a new treatment option for patients with severe refractory lymphocytic enterocolitis not responding to corticosteroids.