Gastric emptying in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis

IgG4-related digestive diseases: diagnosis and treatment

IgG4-related digestive diseases encompass a group of chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by autoimmune reactions and fibrosis affecting multiple digestive organs. These diseases are identified by elevated serum levels of IgG4 and the presence of IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration in the affected sites, along with storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and eosinophilic infiltration. Although extensive research has been conducted, a comprehensive understanding of these conditions remains elusive. Current clinical diagnosis often relies on the application of integrated diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related diseases, combined with specific organ involvement criteria. Distinguishing them from malignancies poses considerable challenges. Moreover, further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic interventions. This review provides a systematic classification of IgG4-related digestive diseases while discussing their diagnostic strategies, clinical presentations, and treatment modalities. The comprehensive insights shared herein aim to guide clinicians in their practice and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field.

Extra-pancreatic manifestations reported in association with pancreatitis; an international survey report

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Local and systemic manifestations have been reported in association with pancreatitis, anecdotally. However, a systematic collection on the prevalence of each of these symptoms in pancreatitis is lacking. We aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms and diagnoses reported by a cohort of patients with pancreatitis, refer to as "extra pancreatic manifestation of pancreatitis".

METHODS

Cross-sectional study approved by the IRB and administered through a REDCap survey by "Mission: Cure", a nonprofit organization.

RESULTS

Of the 225 respondents analyzed; 89% were adults, 69% females, 89% Caucasians with 74% residing in the USA. 42% of children and 50% of adults reported exocrine pancreatic insufficiency while 8% of children and 26% of adults reported DM. Type 3c DM was reported in all children and 45% of adult DM cases. Children were diagnosed with genetic or hereditary pancreatitis more frequently compared to adults (33.3% versus 8%; p = <0.001). Significantly more symptoms and diagnoses were reported by adults when compared to children including nighttime sweats, bloating, or cramping, greasy or oily stools, feeling cold and GERD with p values of 0.002, 0.006, 0.046, 0.002 and 0.003 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with pancreatitis frequently report symptoms not known to be associated with pancreatitis. Studies investigating mechanisms for these associated symptoms should be explored.

Utility of gastric biopsy in diagnosing IgG4-related gastrointestinal disease

The utility of gastric biopsy for diagnosing immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related gastrointestinal disease (IgG4-GID) remains unclear. Bottom-heavy plasmacytosis (BHP) is a distinct feature of IgG4-GID. To clarify the feasibility of using gastric biopsies to diagnose BHP in IgG4-GID, we analyzed the histological features and immunostaining of gastric biopsy specimens from 31 known IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) patients and we assessed the presence of BHP in 1696 consecutive routine gastric biopsies. Cases with both >10 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high-power field and an IgG4/IgG-positive ratio >40% were defined as IgG4-high. Ten of the 31 IgG4-RD patients were concluded to have IgG4-GID, in which IgG4-positive plasma cells were notably detected at the deeper part of the mucosa. Six cases displayed BHP whereas the remaining four cases showed transmural infiltration with concomitant Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis. In addition to BHP, we identified two unique histologic features for IgG4-GID: plasmacytic aggregation in the muscularis mucosae and permeative plasmacytic infiltration between fundic glands in the non-atrophic mucosa. Six of the routine cases (0.35%) displayed BHP, including a case with IgG4-RD. IgG4-GID can be suspected by the presence of gastric biopsy specimens with characteristic histological features. Such cases are recommended to undergo further examinations to determine whether IgG4-RD is present.

Immunoglobulin G4-related gastrointestinal diseases, are they immunoglobulin G4-related diseases?

In immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (RD), organ enlargement or nodular lesions consisting of abundant infiltration of lymphocytes and IgG4-positive plasma cells and fibrosis are seen in various organs. Although infiltration of many IgG4-positive plasma cells is detected in the gastric and colonic mucosa and major duodenal papilla of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis, it cannot be diagnosed as a gastrointestinal lesion involved in IgG4-RD, because none of the following is observed in these lesions: a mass-like formation; dense fibrosis; or obliterative phlebitis. Based on our review of the literature, there appear to be two types of IgG4-related gastrointestinal disease. One is a gastrointestinal lesion showing marked thickening of the wall of the esophagus and stomach, consisting of dense fibrosis with abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells, which usually show submucosal spreading. The other is an IgG4-related pseudotumor occurring in gastrointestinal regions such as the stomach, colon, and major duodenal papilla, showing polypoid or mass-like lesions. Most solitary IgG4-related gastrointestinal lesions that are not associated with other IgG4-RD appear to be difficult to diagnose. It is of utmost importance to rule out malignancy. However, these lesions may respond to steroid therapy. To avoid unnecessary resection, IgG4-related gastrointestinal diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis.