Diagnostic and treatment workup for IgG4-related disease

Pulmonary manifestations, treatments and outcomes of IgG4-related disease-a systematic literature review

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multisystem fibroinflammatory condition. A consistent feature of many cases is pulmonary infiltrates, or respiratory failure. This systematic literature review aims to summarise the pulmonary manifestations of IgG4-RD, including clinical outcomes and treatment. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023416410). Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for articles discussing IgG4-RD syndrome. Information was extracted on demographics, type and prevalence of pulmonary manifestations, treatment and clinical outcomes. Initially, after deduplication, 3123 articles were retrieved with 18 ultimately included. A pooled total of 724 patients with IgG4-RD were included, 68.6% male, mean age 59.4 years (SD 5.8) at disease onset. The most frequently described pulmonary manifestation was mediastinal lymphadenopathy (n = 186, 48.8%), followed by pulmonary nodules (n = 151, 39.6%) and broncho-vascular thickening (n = 85, 22.3%). Where treatment was reported, the majority of patients received glucocorticoids (n = 211, 93.4%). Other immunosuppressive therapy included cyclophosphamide (n = 31), azathioprine (n = 18), with mycophenolate mofetil (n = 6), rituximab (n = 6), methotrexate (n = 5) and other unspecified immunomodulators (50). Clinical outcomes were reported in 263 patients, where 196 patients had remission of their disease, 20 had relapse, 35 had stable disease, four had progression and eight patients died from complications of IgG4-RD. This systematic review summarises pulmonary manifestations, treatments and outcomes in patients with IgG4-RD. Pulmonary involvement in IgG4-RD is relatively common, leading to high levels of morbidity and mortality. Glucocorticoids remain the mainstay of treatment, but further work is required to explore the management of patients with pulmonary manifestations in association with IgG4-RD.

Systemic Involvement in Immunoglobulin G4-Related Ophthalmic Disease

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) poses clinical challenges due to its heterogeneous ocular and systemic manifestations. We aim to report the systemic involvement and the clinical, serological and radiological associations of a cohort of Chinese patients.

METHODS

A territory-wide, biopsy-proven, Chinese cohort. A retrospective, masked chart review of medical records, orbital images, and histopathology reports.

RESULTS

A total of 122 (65 male) patients with a follow-up of 81 ± 49 (24 to 84) months were reviewed. Ninety (74%) patients presented bilaterally. Subacute upper eyelid swelling was the commonest presentation (82/122, 67%). During follow-up, 91/122 patients (75%) underwent extra-orbital imaging including computer tomography (692 films), ultrasonography (182 films), magnetic resonance imaging (76 films) and whole body FDG-PET scan (33 films). Eighty-six (95%) of these 91 patients had extra-orbital involvement radiologically (2.7 ± 1.6 regions, range: 0 to 9). Lymph node was the most prevalent (N = 60,66%), followed by salivary gland (N = 51,56%), lung (N = 49,54%), kidney (N = 22, 24%), hepatobiliary tree (N = 18, 20%) and pancreas (N = 17, 19%). Other organs include thyroid, aorta, meninges/brain and skin. Twenty-eight (23%) patients had allergic diseases (19 asthma, 16 allergic rhinitis, and 6 eczemas). Fifty-seven (48%) patients had paranasal sinusitis. Serum eosinophilia was associated with a higher number (3.24 versus 2.52, P = 0.0304) of organ involvement. Patients with deep organ involvement was associated with a higher age of IgG4-ROD onset (70 ± 12 versus 56 ± 13, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

95% of the patients who underwent systemic imaging in our cohort had systemic organ involvement. An early physicians' assessment and radiological imaging are recommended after the diagnosis of IgG4-ROD.

Therapeutic Uses of Rituximab and Clinical Features in Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease: A Systematic Review

This research presents a systematic review focusing on rituximab's therapeutic applications in immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (IgG4-RD), a rare condition characterized by immune-mediated systemic inflammation and tissue fibrosis, as well as the clinical features of IgG4-RD. While the disease commonly affects organs such as the bile ducts, lymph nodes, retroperitoneum, pancreas, and salivary glands, it can potentially involve other organs. This intricacy often leads to diagnostic challenges due to clinical overlaps with cancer, infections, and other autoimmune disorders. The diagnosis of IgG4-RD necessitates a comprehensive approach involving laboratory tests, imaging studies, and clinical assessments. Symptoms can vary, ranging from lymphadenopathy to jaundice, affecting multiple organs. Although elevated blood IgG4 levels and findings of tissue involvement and fibrosis on imaging can be suggestive, they lack the specificity for a definitive diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial for initiating corticosteroids and immunosuppressive to prevent further damage from IgG4-RD. This study highlights the therapeutic role of rituximab in managing this condition. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, the research identifies and evaluates relevant literature across various electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. This review includes 14 selected publications, comprising three systematic reviews, three observational studies, four narrative reviews, and four case reports. The study design ensures a comprehensive evaluation of rituximab's potential efficacy in treating IgG4-RD and its associated clinical characteristics. Based on this study, it can be concluded that IgG4-RD can potentially be treated with rituximab, particularly in cases of relapse and maintaining remission.

IgG4-Related Disease Manifested as Cutaneous Plasmacytosis: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare fibroinflammatory disease that has a high tendency to misdiagnosis in clinics.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old man developed a rash with progressive itching 3 years ago after hormone therapy for an ocular "inflammatory pseudotumor". The disease condition of this patient involved multiple organs which involved the skin. The patient was misdiagnosed with other diseases during the period of hospitalization, leading to poor therapeutic effects and repeated skin lesions. The dermatopathological report indicated plasma cell proliferative disorder, with IgG4/IgG exceeding 40% and abnormally elevated serum IgG4 levels. After the patient was diagnosed with IgG4-RD, a series of treatments improved skin lesions, relieved other symptoms, and decreased serum IgG4 levels.

CONCLUSION

IgG4-RD is a highly misdiagnosed disease that deserves the attention of physicians. The patient we reported could be considered a representative case of IgG4-RD that presents with skin lesions. For patients with suspected IgG4-RD, serum IgG4 testing should be performed, and further imaging, serological tests, and pathology examinations are needed to exclude malignancy, infection, and autoimmune diseases.

IgG4-RD in a Unilateral Parotid Mass: A Rare Manifestation and Review of the Literature

IgG4 related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that varies widely in its presentation because it can affect nearly any organ. We present a case of a 73-year-old male who presented with an ill-defined mass of the parotid gland, found to be IgG4-RD, after several months of work up and tissue sampling. Most cases of salivary gland involvement in IgG4-RD present as bilateral swelling of the submandibular glands. We present this case as a unique manifestation of salivary gland disease in IgG4-RD as a persistent, non-discrete unilateral mass in the parotid gland. It is critical that clinicians who regularly treat salivary gland pathologies are familiar with this rare disease and its potential manifestations in the oral cavity.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease diagnosed by prostate biopsy: a case report

Background

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is characterized by swelling of various organs throughout the body and nodules/hypertrophic lesions. However, its cause remains unknown. We report a case of immunoglobulin G4-related disease that was diagnosed based on the histopathological findings of prostate biopsy.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old Japanese man had been treated by a nearby doctor for hypertension, but subsequently developed lower urinary tract symptoms and was prescribed an α1 blocker for 1 year. However, the patient was subsequently referred to our department because his symptoms did not improve. Prostate-specific antigen was 1.258 ng/ml; however, the nodule was palpable in the right lobe on digital rectal examination, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System category 3. Therefore, transrectal prostate needle biopsy (12 locations) under ultrasound was performed. Histopathological examination revealed no malignant findings, although infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, and partial fibrosis were observed. No remarkable findings of obstructive phlebitis were observed. Immunoglobulin G4-related disease was suspected, and immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin G4 immunostaining was performed. Immunoglobulin G4 positive plasma cells were observed in a wide range, immunoglobulin G4 positive cells were noted at > 10 per high-power field, and the immunoglobulin G4 positive/immunoglobulin G positive cell ratio was > 40%. Serum immunoglobulin G4 levels were high at 1600 mg/dl. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography findings suggested periaortitis. Additionally, multiple lymphadenopathies were observed around the abdominal aorta. The patient was accordingly diagnosed with immunoglobulin G4-related disease definite, diagnosis group (definite). We proposed steroid treatment for periaortic soft tissue lesions and lower urinary tract symptoms; however, the patient was refused treatment. A computed tomography scan 6 months after diagnosis revealed no changes in the soft tissue lesions around the aorta. Follow-up computed tomography examinations will be performed every 6 months.

Conclusion

If immunoglobulin G4-related disease is suspected and a highly invasive examination is required for histopathological diagnosis, this can be performed by a relatively minimally invasive prostate biopsy for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Further evidence is needed to choose an optimal candidate for prostate biopsy for lower urinary tract symptoms patients with suspicion of immunoglobulin G4-related disease. For patients with lower urinary tract symptoms with immunoglobulin G4-related disease or a history, performing a prostate biopsy may avoid unnecessary treatment. However, if steroid therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered.

Report of Two Cases of Pediatric IgG4-Related Lymphadenopathy (IgG4-LAD): IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD) or a Distinct Clinical Pathological Entity?

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently discovered immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition, uncommon in the pediatric population, that could involve multiple organs and induce cancer-like lesions and organ damage. Its main features are multiple injuries in different sites, a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4 plasma cells, storiform fibrosis, and often high serological concentrations of IgG4. Autoimmune pancreatitis is the most common manifestation, mainly in adults. Two cases of IgG4-RD in children with lymph node localization of disease are reported. Localized or systemic lymph node involvement is common, but lymph node enlargement as the first and only manifestation of IgG4-RD is unusual, and therefore, hard to differentiate from other diseases. IgG4-related lymphadenopathy (IgG4-LAD) is most likely a distinct disease, described as isolated lymphadenopathy, related to the presence of elevated numbers of IgG4-positive plasma cells. Both disorders are likely to be misdiagnosed in children because they are characterized by rare and polymorphic features. IgG4-RD and IgG4-LAD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of disorders characterized by lymphadenopathy of uncertain etiology.

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Presenting as Temporal Bone Lesion with Facial Nerve Palsy

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic condition which could present as local infiltration of skull base structures. We report a case of IgG4-RD with infiltration of the temporal bone and surrounding structures in a patient with systemic vasculitis on systemic steroids. A 31-year-old woman presented with right-sided facial weakness, headache, and right ear hearing loss. On examination, redness and retraction of the right tympanic membrane and facial paresis (House-Brackman IV) were noted. Computed tomography imaging showed mastoiditis, temporal lobe stroke, and brain abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed infiltration in the infratemporal fossa, nasopharynx, spreading along the Eustachian tube and perineurally along the branches of CN V and CN VII intracranially, forming a dural based mass in the middle cranial fossa. Intracranial mass compressed the temporal lobe of the brain, causing perifocal brain edema. Endoscopic biopsy of the nasopharynx was chosen as the least invasive method. It showed marked fibrosis of the tissue, dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, and an increased number of IGG4-positive plasma cells. Serum IgG4 levels were below the diagnostic criteria of IgG4-RD, but histological characteristics of IgG4-RD were met. The patient was treated with high-dose oral prednisolone. Resolution of symptoms, including facial nerve paresis, was observed and infiltration in the nasopharynx, infratemporal fossa decreased on subsequent MRI tests. No recurrence was noted on the follow-up of 16 months. The case presented itself as a diagnostic challenge for a multidisciplinary team to differentiate pathology caused by either IgG4-RD, systemic vasculitis, or atypic mastoiditis. MRI and histological reports were essential to establish a correct diagnosis.

Diagnostic Dilemma of Paraneoplastic Rheumatic Disorders: Case Series and Narrative Review

Paraneoplastic rheumatic disorder (RD) is a disorder that may present before, concurrent with, or after the diagnosis of malignancy. Paraneoplastic RDs are a clinical expression of occult cancer that is not directly related to a tumor or metastasis and manifests as rheumatoid symptoms. The RD is determined by the organ system affected by articular, muscular, cutaneous, vascular, or miscellaneous symptoms. Each case is challenging to diagnose because cancer may present with similar symptoms as a common rheumatic disorder. Of note, the majority of cases have minimal responsiveness or no responsiveness to standard rheumatoid treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and treat the underlying cancer accordingly. Herein, we present four different diagnostic dilemma cases of RD: case #1 - leukocytoclastic vasculitis and C3 glomerulopathy, case #2 - scleroderma, case #3 - Raynaud’s syndrome and possible lupus-like syndrome, and case #4 - inflammatory myositis. Institutional IRB approval was obtained for this case series. We will discuss and review the literature on each topic. In addition, we will mention a review of paraneoplastic rheumatoid arthritis. As rheumatic disease is associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer treatment, we will briefly discuss some of the most common rheumatic presentations in the setting of these drugs. This case review aims to inform clinicians about the atypical presentation of paraneoplastic RD and to highlight the need for interdisciplinary management between rheumatologists, oncologists, and primary care practitioners.

Modern imaging of cholangitis

Cholangitis refers to inflammation of the bile ducts with or without accompanying infection. When intermittent or persistent inflammation lasts 6 months or more, the condition is classified as chronic cholangitis. Otherwise, it is considered an acute cholangitis. Cholangitis can also be classified according to the inciting agent, e.g. complete mechanical obstruction, which is the leading cause of acute cholangitis, longstanding partial mechanical blockage, or immune-mediated bile duct damage that results in chronic cholangitis.The work-up for cholangitis is based upon medical history, clinical presentation, and initial laboratory tests. Whereas ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality used to identify bile duct dilatation in patients with colicky abdominal pain, cross-sectional imaging is preferable when symptoms cannot be primarily localised to the hepatobiliary system. CT is very useful in oncologic, trauma, or postoperative patients. Otherwise, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is the method of choice to diagnose acute and chronic biliary disorders, providing an excellent anatomic overview and, if gadoxetic acid is injected, simultaneously delivering morphological and functional information about the hepatobiliary system. If brush cytology, biopsy, assessment of the prepapillary common bile duct, stricture dilatation, or stenting is necessary, then endoscopic ultrasound and/or retrograde cholangiography are performed. Finally, when the pathologic duct is inaccessible from the duodenum or stomach, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is an option. The pace of the work-up depends upon the severity of cholestasis on presentation. Whereas sepsis, hypotension, and/or Charcot's triad warrant immediate investigation and management, chronic cholestasis can be electively evaluated.This overview article will cover the common cholangitides, emphasising our clinical experience with the chronic cholestatic liver diseases.

Discriminating between IgG4-related orbital disease and other causes of orbital inflammation with intra voxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging at 3T

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the capabilities of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI at 3 Tesla in discriminating between IgG4-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD) and other causes of orbital inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Main selection criteria for the patients enrolled in this prospective study were age over 18 years and histopathologicaly proven orbital inflammatory lesion. MRI examinations were performed prior to surgery and treatment in all patients with suspected orbital inflammation. Two neuroradiologists, blinded to clinical data, independently analyzed structural MRI examinations and IVIM sequences obtained with 15 b values ranging from 0 to 2000 s/mm². Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), "true" diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion fraction (f) and pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) values were calculated from all orbital lesions. Diagnostic capabilities of IVIM parameters were assessed using receiver operating-characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of IVIM parameters were calculated for the best threshold values and reported with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (21 women and 14 men; mean age, 49.2 ± 13.75 [SD] years; age range: 23-77 years) with 48 orbital lesions were enrolled in the study. Fifteen patients (15/35; 43%) had IgG4-ROD and 20 (20/35; 57%) had other causes of orbital inflammation. Median D value was significantly greater in patients with IgG4-ROD (1 × 10^-3 mm²/s; interquartile range [IQR]: 0.9 × 10^-3; 1.2 × 10^-3) as compared to patients with non IgG4-ROD (0.80 × 10^-3 mm²/s; IQR: 0.7 × 10^-3; 1 × 10^-3) (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference for ADC, f or D*. Area under the curve were of 0.54, 0.73, 0.63 and 0.56 for ADC, D, f and D*, respectively. Optimal threshold derived from ROC curves for D was 0.87 × 10^-3 mm²/s, yielding 92% sensitivity (95% CI: 62-100%) and 71% specificity (95% CI: 44-90%) for the diagnosis of IgG4-ROD. No differences in standard morphological MRI criteria were found between IgG4-ROD and non IgG4-ROD.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that IVIM MRI is a useful imaging technique to distinguish IgG4-ROD from other causes of orbital inflammation.

[IgG4-related disease]

BACKGROUND

The IgG4-related systemic disease as well as the homonymous variant IgG4-related orbital disease were first described less than 15 years ago. The mostly subacute clinical symptoms can be multifarious and the classical case is characterized by an orbital inflammatory condition with a bilateral enlargement of the lacrimal glands; however, any other orbital tissue with the exception of the eyeball can be affected by the lymphocytic inflammatory infiltration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Based on the current literature the clinical picture, epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment options are described. A focus is on the differential diagnostic demarcation from other inflammatory processes of the orbit.

CONCLUSION

The IgG4-related orbital disease is an important differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the orbit. The condition can exhibit considerable clinical and imaging similarity to idiopathic inflammation of the orbit, to the specific inflammations seen in systemic diseases, to Graves' orbitopathy and to lymphoproliferative diseases and lymphoma. After histopathologic confirmation the interdisciplinary clarification and treatment consensus are indispensable.

Time-related variation in IgG subclass concentrations in a group of healthy Danish adults

Introduction

Immunoglobulin G subclass measurements are important for the diagnostic work‐up of immunodeficiencies and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related diseases. It is currently unknown whether a single sampling is truly representative for an individual's IgG subclass concentrations. This study aimed to investigate whether IgG and IgG subclass concentrations in healthy individuals are stable over time.

Method

With a span of median 42 weeks, four samples from each of 54 (34M, 20F) healthy adult volunteers (24–66 years) were analyzed for IgG and IgG1–4 using turbidimetry. Concentrations were compared within and between individuals.

Results

IgG and IgG subclass concentrations followed either a normal (IgG, IgG1, and IgG3) or log normal (IgG2 and IgG4) distribution. Immunoglobulin 4 demonstrated by far the widest range of concentrations between individuals (670‐fold: 0.004–2.68 g/L). Immunoglobulin G subclass variations within individuals were expressed as pooled standard deviations (PSD). These ranged from 0.056 (IgG4) to 0.955 g/L (IgG) and correlated with mean concentration of IgG or the particular IgG subclass. As a consequence, the relative PSDs (i.e., PSD divided by mean IgG or IgG subclass concentration) fell within a narrow range: 5.82%–10.1%. Based on these numbers, the 95%‐upper one‐sided confidence limits for intraindividual IgG and IgG subclass variation was calculated to range from 9.82% (IgG2) to 16.9% (IgG4).

Conclusion

The study documents that IgG or IgG subclass concentrations within healthy individuals are very stable over at least 42 weeks. The expected variation for IgG4 concentrations at a 95% confidence level does not exceed ±16.9%.

IgG4-related disease in pediatric patients: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic, immune-mediated, and fibroinflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ system. We aimed to present our single-center experience of pediatric patients with IgG4-RD, a rare disease in children.

METHODS

Pediatric patients diagnosed with IgG4-RD at the Hacettepe University between June 2014 and September 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with definite, probable, or possible diagnosis of IgG4-RD were included.

RESULTS

A total of eight patients with a median age of 13.4 (IQR 9.5-15.0) years were included in the study. Clinical presentations were IgG4-related ophthalmic disease in six patients, IgG4-related lymphadenopathy in one patient, and IgG4-related sialadenitis and lymphadenopathy of several lymph nodes accompanied by pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, and pulmonary manifestations in one patient. Elevated serum IgG4 was detected in three of eight patients (37.5%). The main histopathological feature was fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. Corticosteroids were used as first-line treatment in almost all patients with or without steroid-sparing agents. Azathioprine, methotrexate and rituximab were used as steroid-sparing agents. Relapse occurred in two of seven patients. Radiotherapy was used as the last resort in one patient with severe orbital disease.

CONCLUSION

IgG4 RD mainly presents with orbital manifestations in pediatric population but has wide phenotypic clinical variability. Although rare, early recognition and treatment are essential for a better outcome in these patients.

Combination of autoimmune pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy on an IgG4-related disease patient with 4 years following-up

Type1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is the first recognized and the most common manifestation of IgG4-related disease. However, AIP patient presented with neuropathy in the extremities have not been reported previously. We reported a rare combination of autoimmune pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy on an IgG4-related disease patient based on histological features to expand the clinical spectrum of IgG4-related disease.

IgG4-related disease with multiple organs involvement was effectively controlled by glucocorticoids: a case report

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related disease is a rare autoimmune disease involving multiple organs and tissues. A diagnosis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is mainly based on serum IgG4 concentration, imaging, pathology, and effective glucocorticoids therapy. In this paper, we report a 53-year-old male with typical signs and symptoms of IgG4-RD successfully treated with glucocorticoids. This patient had experienced bilateral mumps for more than 8 months and intermittent abdominal pain spreading to his lower back for 2 months before his admission. During his hospitalization, based on the characteristic appearance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and computed tomography with positron emission tomography, a diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), cholangitis with biliary obstruction, lachrymal adenitis, and submandibular adenitis was made. A high serum IgG4 concentration further supported a diagnosis of IgG4-RD. Then, the treatment was promptly initiated with corticosteroids. MRI, MRCP, and IgG4 concentration were re-examined during his follow up, suggesting that glucocorticoid treatment resulted in a resolution of his disease. The dosage of glucocorticoid had been gradually decreased. Now, he is stable with oral low-dose glucocorticoids. Certainly, long-term follow up of this patient with such a rare disease is very essential to observe the possibility of disease recurrence and glucocorticoids related complications.

Riedel Thyroiditis

CONTEXT

Riedel thyroiditis (RT) is a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease that is often a clinically diagnostic dilemma because of its insidious presentation and nonspecific symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to clarify the presentation, management, and outcomes of RT.

STUDY SELECTION

A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant reports published up to September 2019.

DATA EXTRACTION

First author, country, patient sex, ethnicity, presentation, biochemical status, duration of symptoms, histology, treatment, follow-up duration, and short- and long-term outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Data from 212 RT patients were retrieved. The mean age was 47 years with a predominantly female population (81%). Neck swelling (89%), dyspnea (50%), and neck pain (41%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Inflammatory markers were elevated in 70% to 97% and thyroid antibody positivity was present in less than 50%. Up to 82% underwent surgical intervention, with the most common being total thyroidectomy in 34% of individuals. Glucocorticoids were used in 70% of individuals with median duration 3 months. Prognosis was reasonable with 90% having resolution or improvement of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis is the largest and most comprehensive to date of RT and provides clinicians with vital information on the common presentation features that may alert to the diagnosis and highlight management options.

Multi-organ IgG4-related disease continues to mislead clinicians: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multisystemic mass forming immune-mediated disease that affects almost every organ and is a diagnostic challenge for every clinician. There is a lack of adequate epidemiological data worldwide, and evidence-based treatment recommendations are not yet established. We report the first case of IgG4-RD from Lithuania and the Baltic Sea region presented with thyroiditis, orbital myositis, orbitopathy, uveitis, scleritis, sialadenitis, autoimmune pancreatitis and prostatitis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 54-year-old Caucasian male was admitted to our tertiary Centre complaining of severe weight loss, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, salivary gland swelling, sicca symptoms and diplopia. On examination, bilateral palpable masses in the projection of major salivary glands, severe protrusion of the left eyeball and cachexia were noted. The patient was previously diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis and endocrine ophthalmopathy. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed enlarged extraocular muscles indicating orbital myositis. The biopsy from the salivary gland mass indicated sialadenitis. Abdominal MRI showed signs of autoimmune pancreatitis, and a serological test revealed the elevated serum IgG4 concentration. The patient was then diagnosed with IgG4-RD and successfully treated with prednisolone. There was a significant clinical, serological and radiological improvement after one month of treatment and no signs of relapse within twenty months. However, it took almost 18 years and the efforts of eight different medical specialists to establish the correct diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive approach to the patient is essential to improving the recognition of rare immune system conditions, such as IgG4-RD.

Clinical Characteristics and Long-term Outcomes of Children With Fibrosing Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Fibrosing pancreatitis (FP) shares clinical features with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), although both entities have not been definitely linked. This study aimed to assess the presence of AIP criteria in an historic FP patient cohort and investigate the clinical features, management, and long-term outcomes of pediatric FP (P-FP).

METHODS

Clinical data of 14 P-FP patients from Toronto and 42 P-FP cases from a literature review were collected and compared to pediatric AIP (P-AIP). Toronto P-FP patients were recontacted to assess their current health status using a brief questionnaire.

RESULTS

Jaundice and abdominal pain were the symptoms at presentation in 44 of 56 (79%) and 50 of 56 (89%) P-FP patients, respectively. Common findings on cross sectional imaging were an enlarged pancreas head with narrowing of the distal common bile duct (51/54, 94%). Histopathology mainly showed gland fibrosis (39/39, 100%). Three of twelve (25%) P-FP patients had elevated IgG4 in serum. None of the patients were treated with corticosteroids, but some underwent surgical or endoscopic intervention. Toronto patients were followed for a median of 13.6 years (interquartile range: 2.9-22.8). Complications during follow-up included exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (3/14, 21%) and pancreatic gland atrophy (5/13, 38%); but none of the patients had disease relapse or developed diabetes type 3c. Five (5/14, 36%) patients developed other immune-mediated diseases over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical features of patients with P-FP resembled those recently described in a subgroup of P-AIP presenting with jaundice. Long-term outcome of these patients is generally good, with or without invasive interventions. As some patients may develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and/or other immune-mediated diseases, ongoing clinical monitoring is recommended.

Basic Research and Clinical Reports Associated with Low Serum IgG4 Concentrations

Elevated IgG4 concentrations in serum have received a great deal of attention recently, whereas the significance of decreased IgG4 levels was frequently neglected in spite of its close relation with infectious and noninfectious inflammations. In this review, based on the structural and functional characteristics of IgG4, we bring together case reports and research related to low levels of IgG4 and try to scratch the importance of decreased IgG4 concentrations in serum. As with elevated IgG4 levels, low serum IgG4-related diseases can be involved in multiple systems such as infection in the respiratory system, stroke in the circulatory system, and glomerulonephritis in the urinary system. Both genetic and immune dysregulation can contribute to decreased IgG4 levels. In the light of animal experiments, we believe that the mystery of low IgG4 can be revealed as long as enough attention is acquired.

IgG4-related Periarteritis Successfully Diagnosed by an Alternative Prostate Biopsy

A 56-year-old man was referred to our facility after developing edema in his right leg. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a periarterial soft tissue mass surrounding the right iliac artery compressing the iliac vein. His elevated serum IgG4 level indicated IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Both a percutaneous and surgical biopsy of this periarterial lesion proved challenging and were not pursued. A prostate biopsy, however, finally provided a histological diagnosis of IgG4-RD. Oral steroid therapy successfully resolved his leg edema and periarterial lesion. This case illustrates the usefulness of an alternative prostate biopsy for the histological diagnosis of IgG4-RD when approaching the primary affected lesion is difficult.

Sustained clinical response after single course of rituximab as first-line monotherapy in adult-onset asthma and periocular xanthogranulomas syndrome associated with IgG4-related disease: A case report

RATIONALE

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an emerging immune-mediated disease characterized by multi-organ involvement and variable clinical behavior.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We describe the case of a 50-year-old woman affected by a rare variant of IgG4-RD, characterized by eyelid xanthelasmas, adult-onset asthma and salivary and lacrimal glands enlargement. Multiple lymphadenopathies and a pulmonary mass were present at initial evaluation.

INTEVENTIONS

After a single course of rituximab (2g in 2 refracted doses), an almost complete clinical remission was achieved without chronic steroid administration.

OUTCOMES

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax, and positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET-CT) confirmed good response to treatment. Circulating plasmablasts dropped to undetectable levels as well. Xanthelasmas only remained unchanged. Remission persisted at 1-year follow-up.

LESSONS

Steroid therapy is still considered standard first-line therapy in IgG4-RD. However, high doses are generally required and relapses are common during the tapering phase. Rituximab is a well described steroid-sparing strategy, so far reserved to refractory cases only. In our experience, rituximab has been used as first-line monotherapy, showing great and sustained efficacy and optimal tolerability. The peculiar variant of IgG4-RD affecting our patient, the relatively low baseline plasmablast concentration, and the early placement of rituximab therapy may have facilitated the good response.