IgG4-related disease of the head and neck

Immunoglobulin G4 related sclerosing disease mimicking a lytic lesion of the mandible: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin G4 related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated, multifocal, fibroinflammatory disease with varied clinical manifestations. The involvement of head and neck region is infrequent. The objective was to report a case of localized IgG4-RD of mandible that clinically mimicked a lytic lesion.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 22 year old female presented with restricted mouth opening and swelling over right ramus and angle region of mandible. Radiographic imaging showed an ill-defined radiolucent lytic lesion infiltrating adjacent muscles. An incisional biopsy was performed and histopathological picture was suggestive of benign spindle cell neoplasm. Immunohistochemistry was suggestive of IgG4-RD involving mandible adjoining soft tissues. Elevated serum IgG4 levels were noted. Oral steroid therapy was initiated and tapered without maintenance dose. The patient progressed without any sequelae. Imaging 2 years after completion of treatment showed complete resolution of the radiolucent lesion.

CONCLUSION

The precise diagnosis of this lesion is challenging and depends on many different factors. A non-specific localized lesion should be investigated as a systemic condition. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of steroid therapy should be favored. Continued follow up is critical due to the indolent nature of this disease. The future of management of this disease is the development of specific diagnostic criteria and targeted therapy of head & neck lesions.

Sinonasal immunoglobulin G4-related disease: a case report of an atypical and rare entity

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is marked by extensive inflammation and fibrosis of an unknown autoimmune component, with an overall incidence ranging from 0.78 to 1.39 per 105 person-years. Sinonasal immunoglobulin G4-related disease is atypical and exceedingly uncommon in the existing literature, frequently manifesting clinically as chronic rhinosinusitis, epistaxis, and facial pain.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes a 25-year-old Iraqi female who has been suffering from symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis for 8 years. Despite undergoing several surgeries, there has been no improvement in her symptoms. A tissue biopsy that revealed dense lymphoplasmocytosis with noticeable plasma cell infiltration, storiform fibrosis, and obliterative angitis, along with positive immunohistochemical staining for Immunoglobulin G4 plasma cells, finally confirmed the diagnosis of sinonasal immunoglobulin G4-related disease. The patient responded well to oral prednisolone and methotrexate treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The main objective of the current report is to raise awareness among physicians about the significance of promptly identifying and diagnosing this rarity, thus preventing the adverse consequences linked to delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Chronic Sclerosing Sialadenitis of the Submandibular Gland and its Histopathological Spectrum in the IgG4-Related Disease: a Series of 17 Cases

PURPOSE

This study aimed to characterize the histopathological immunohistochemical features of chronic sclerosing sialadenitis, emphasizing the IgG4-related disease.

METHODS

Seventeen cases of chronic sclerosing sialoadenitis were examined for histopathological aspects, (inflammation, fibrosis, glandular parenchyma, and lymphoid follicles) and immunohistochemistry (BCL2, CD3, CD20, CD34, CD163, p63, cyclin D1, mast cell, SMA, S100A4, IgG, and IgG4) which were scored. IgG4-related disease features were investigated. Demographic and clinical data were also collected.

RESULTS

Males predominated (10:7), with an average lesion size of 3.9 cm. Common histopathological findings included reduced acinar parenchyma, lymphoid follicle formation, and ductular proliferation. CD3-positive T lymphocytes and CD34- and SMA-positive stromal fibroblasts were abundant. Nine cases (53%) showed sialoliths and three cases met the criteria for IgG4-related disease.

CONCLUSION

CSS of the submandibular gland represents a reactive pattern rather than IgG4-RD as only 3 cases seemed to be related to IgG4-RD. The immunohistochemical profile revealed an abundant population of CD3-positive T lymphocytes, as opposed to regulatory proteins such as cyclin D1, demonstrating that populations of CD34- and SMA-positive stromal fibroblasts contribute to the fibrosis characteristic of CSS. In addition, our results provide a comprehensive insight into the study of CSS and its relationship with IgG4-RD.

IgG4-related disease: an update on pathology and diagnostic criteria with a focus on salivary gland manifestations

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multi-organ disorder characterized by a highly variable clinical presentation depending on the affected organ/s, extent of tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesions, and associated functional impairment. The disease pursues a chronic, relapsing, often asymptomatic course and hence may pose a significant diagnostic challenge. Diagnostic delay can lead to progressive fibrosis and irreversible organ damage resulting into significant morbidity and even mortality. Given its broad clinical spectrum, physicians of all specialties may be the first clinicians facing this diagnostic challenge. Outside the pancreatobiliary system, the head and neck represents the major site of IgG4-RD with variable organ-specific diffuse or mass-forming lesions. In up to 75% of cases, elevated serum IgG4 levels are observed, but this figure possibly underestimates the fraction of seronegative cases, as the disease manifestations may present metachronously with significant intervals. Together with negative serology, this can lead to misdiagnosis of seronegative cases. A standardized nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD were established in 2012 and revised in 2020 facilitating scientific research and expanding the range of diseases associated with IgG4 abnormalities. In addition to orbital pseudotumor, dacryoadenitis, Riedel thyroiditis, sinonasal manifestations, and rare miscellaneous conditions, IgG4-related sialadenitis is one of the most frequent presentations in the head and neck region. However, controversy still exists regarding the relationship between sialadenitis and IgG4-RD. This review focuses on the clinicopathological features of IgG4-related sialadenitis and its contemporary diagnostic criteria.

Enfermedad relacionada con inmunoglobulina G4, un diagnóstico a tener en cuenta: a propósito de un caso

La enfermedad relacionada con inmunoglobulina G4 (ER-IgG4) es una condición inmunomediada y multisistémica asociada al desarrollo de lesiones fibroinflamatorias en cualquier órgano. El diagnóstico se realiza bajo la suma de criterios clínicos, serológicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos; sin embargo, este suele ser difícil debido a su similitud con neoplasias, infecciones u otras enfermedades inmunomediadas. El tratamiento se basa en corticosteroides, en una posible combinación con inmunomoduladores. El presente caso trata de un varón de 59 años con historia de síndrome ictérico y baja de peso, admitido por sospecha de neoplasia maligna de la vía biliar. Las imágenes revelaron estenosis con dilatación de las vías biliares intrahepáticas, páncreas prominente, estenosis del conducto pancreático y lesiones nodulares renales. Debido al antecedente de submandibulectomía izquierda 2 años antes de la enfermedad actual e histología compatible con tumor de Küttner, más los valores elevados de IgG4 sérico, se estableció el diagnóstico de ER-IgG4. Inició tratamiento con corticosteroides y cursó asintomático durante el seguimiento.

IgG4-Related Disease Involving the Paranasal Sinus Orbit: A Case Report

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare and complicated clinical disease entity newly identified in recent years. It is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by the immune system that can affect various organs throughout the body, such as the pancreas, salivary gland (submandibular gland, parotid gland, and sublingual gland), lacrimal gland, and thyroid gland. In rare cases, it involves sinuses and orbits. We describe a 44-year-old patient who was hospitalized with distension and pain in her right eye. The lesions included the nasal sinus and orbit. IgG4-RD was diagnosed after surgery and the patient was treated without complications. This case report helps to provide clinicians with additional information to assist in the diagnosis of the disease.

Imaging findings of immunoglobin G4-related hypophysitis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobin G4 (IgG4)-related hypophysitis (IgG4-RH) is a rare form of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), which often manifests as a single organ disease and is easily misdiagnosed as a pituitary tumor clinically and by imaging. There are few reports of imaging findings of IgG4-RH. Therefore, we describe a case of IgG4-RH, which mimicked a pituitary macroadenoma, that was detected by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and review the previous literature in order to further the understanding of IgG4-RH.

CASE SUMMARY

A 47-year-old man presented with a history of blurred vision for more than 2 mo, without other symptoms. A preoperative unenhanced CT scan revealed a slightly hyperdense mass in the sellar region measuring 2.5 cm × 2.3 cm × 1.8 cm, with a CT value of 45 HU. T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and T2-weighted imaging showed iso-hypointensity, and gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1WI showed obvious homogeneous enhancement. The MRI revealed involvement of the pituitary gland and stalk. Preoperative laboratory tests revealed abnormal pituitary hormone levels, including an increased prolactin level, and decreased levels of insulin-like growth factor, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone. The lesion was surgically resected. Postoperative histopathological examination of a tissue sample and an elevated serum IgG4 level confirmed the diagnosis of IgG4-RH. The patient was treated with cortisone acetate postoperatively and made a good recovery without developing any neurological deficit.

CONCLUSION

An elevated serum IgG4 concentration is the main clue for diagnosis of IgG4-RD. Imaging combined with laboratory testing is useful for preoperative diagnosis of IgG4-RH.

Atypical IgG4-related disease limited to the sino-nasal cavity: A case report

Given the overlapping clinical features of sino-nasal immunoglobulin 4-related disease (IgG4-RD) to rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, this paper aims to delineate this rare, isolated manifestation significant to physicians for their daily practice and researchers contributing to this field.

Localized IgG4-related disease manifested on the tongue: a case report

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition that can affect multiple organs. IgG4-RD may show a variety of initial symptoms. In the oral mucosa, lesions present as inflammatory fibrosis with a large number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. Evaluating treatment is a well-known problem in IgG4-RD due to the absence of an established assessment system. There are difficulties in defining the severity of the disease, which is why treatment is primarily based on its clinical manifestations. We present a case report of localized IgG4-RD with ulcerative and proliferative manifestations on the tongue, which clinically mimicked oral squamous cell carcinoma. A tumor-like lesion on the tongue can indicate something else other than the malignant or reactive changes commonly found in the oral mucosa. Multiple differential diagnoses of these atypical oral lesions, including localized IgG4-RD, should be considered.

Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease: Presentation of the First Case with Isolated Pterygopalatine Fossa Involvement

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory disease with single or multiple organ involvement. Clinically it mimics several benign and malignant tumors, as well as infectious, and inflammatory disorders. It typically presents as multiple tumor-forming lesions. Histological and immunohistochemical findings are characteristic. Serum immunoglobulin G4 levels are usually increased. Systemic corticosteroid administration is the treatment of choice with good response, especially in early disease stages. We present the first case of immunoglobulin G4-related disease presenting as an isolated tumor forming lesion of the left pterygopalatine fossa. Imaging studies indicated a benign process. Histological findings were consistent with IgG4-related disease. The patient showed a good response to systemic corticosteroid treatment and remains free of symptoms 18 months following diagnosis.

[Dental-craniofacial manifestation and treatment of rare diseases in China]

Rare diseases are genetic, chronic, and incurable disorders with relatively low prevalence. Thus, diagnosis and management strategies for such diseases are currently limited. This situation is exacerbated by insufficient medical sources for these diseases. The National Health and Health Committee of China recently first provided a clear definition of 121 rare diseases in the Chinese population. In this study, we summarize several dental-craniofacial manifestations associated with some rare diseases to provide a reference for dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons aiming at fast-tracking diagnosis for the management of these rare diseases.

[IgG4 related disease with exclusive sinonasal involvement: A case report and literature review]

IgG4 related disease (igG4-RD) is a pathological process which integrates a large number of diseases of unknown pathogenesis, considered as being exclusive to many different organs. Diagnosis is established through histological, radiological and serological criteria. Treatment is based on long term corticosteroids; rituximab being used only in refractory cases. It is unusual for this entity to be found exclusively in the head and neck, without systemic involvement; there are only a few reported cases to date. We present a case of a nasosinusal IgG4-RD orbital tumor with paranasal sinus involvement. The accurate diagnosis made early onset corticosteroid treatment possible and the patient is currently asymptomatic.

IgG4-related disease in the head and neck

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize current evidence regarding the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and management of IgG4 disease in the head and neck.

RECENT FINDINGS

The anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab is being used increasingly as a primary treatment modality in cases with a definitive diagnosis. Despite the favorable prognosis, it is now recognized that the incidence of cancer development within 3 years of diagnosis is higher than that of the general population.

SUMMARY

IgG4-related disease is a sclerosing, chronic inflammatory disease, that is benign, and usually occurs in middle-aged to elderly individuals. Definitive diagnosis of IgG4-related disease requires radiological confirmation of enlargement of the affected organ, elevated serum IgG4 levels, and characteristic histopathological findings. Treatment is primarily with systemic corticosteroids or the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, surgical excision, or a combination of treatment modalities. Prognosis is good with complete remission in up to 90% of patients.

Dental-craniofacial manifestation and treatment of rare diseases

Rare diseases are usually genetic, chronic and incurable disorders with a relatively low incidence. Developments in the diagnosis and management of rare diseases have been relatively slow due to a lack of sufficient profit motivation and market to attract research by companies. However, due to the attention of government and society as well as economic development, rare diseases have been gradually become an increasing concern. As several dental-craniofacial manifestations are associated with rare diseases, we summarize them in this study to help dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons provide an early diagnosis and subsequent management for patients with these rare diseases.

Updates in Salivary Gland Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: The Use of the Milan System and Ancillary Testing

Salivary gland fine needle aspiration biopsies remain common specimens seen by most cytology services. The diagnostic diversity and overlap between many of the lesions seen with these biopsies impart many challenges for the cytopathologist, rendering most specific diagnoses impossible with cytology alone. Here, the use of the Milan System for the classification of salivary gland fine needle aspiration biopsy FNAB is discussed, together with the potential use of ancillary testing in arriving at definitive diagnoses.

Ear and Temporal Bone Pathology: Neural, Sclerosing and Myofibroblastic Lesions

Neural, sclerosing, and myofibroblastic lesions of the ear and temporal bone present diagnostic challenges for both clinicians and pathologists due to significant overlap in their clinical presentations, histologic appearances, and immunohistochemical profiles. While some of these lesions, such as schwannomas, are relatively common, others are rendered even more difficult because they are encountered very rarely in routine surgical pathology practice. This review is intended to provide an update on the pathology of some of the most commonly encountered primary diagnostic entities for the ear and temporal bone, and includes the following neural lesions: schwannoma, meningioma, and encephalocele/meningocele. Sclerosing lesions that will be discussed include spindle cell and sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma, sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma, and sclerosing paraganglioma. Finally, myofibroblastic lesions that will be reviewed are nodular fasciitis, IgG4-related disease, and solitary fibrous tumor. For each of these lesions, the differential diagnosis and useful ancillary tests will be discussed in the context of a broad range of additional primary and secondary lesions.

IgG4-related disease: association between chronic rhino-sinusitis and systemic symptoms

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) and systemic symptoms in patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients with IgG4-RD, confirmed by restrict association with clinical and histopathological manifestations between March 2013 and July 2016, were enrolled and followed-up for 1 year at the Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University. The patients were divided into two groups: the case group included IgG4-RD patients with CRS confirmed by clinical and imaging, while the control group included IgG4-RD patients without CRS confirmed by clinical and imaging. Age, gender, clinical manifestations, the percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood, sedimentation (ESR), C-reaction protein, serum IgE and IgG4 levels, histopathology, and treatment drugs at the baseline and 1 year of follow-up were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 46 cases met the diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD. A total of 30 patients (65.2%) had IgG4-RD complicated with CRS, and were aged 49.7 ± 13.4 years, with male:female ratio = 2:1. The disease duration in the case group was longer than that in the control group (3.0 versus 0.8, p = 0.009). The ratio of ocular involvement was higher (86.7 versus 60%, p < 0.001), and allergic manifestations including drug allergy, asthma, and allergic skin were more common (56.5 versus 20%, p = 0.004), with a higher percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood (8.5 versus 3.3%, p = 0.018) and more sensitive to glucocorticoids (6.0 versus 3.5, p = 0.004) than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS in patients with IgG4-RD was closely associated with IgG4-related ocular lesions, which was more prone to allergic manifestations accompanied by raised percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood. The treatment of patients with IgG4-RD complicated with CRS was more effective than those with IgG4-RD without CRS.

Unsuspected human immunodeficiency virus infection presenting as immunoglobulin G4-related lymphadenopathy: a case report

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated condition characterized by infiltration of the involved organs by IgG4-bearing plasma cells. The prevalence of autoimmune diseases, associated with or occurring in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, has been increasing. We describe a 58-year-old man with an undiagnosed HIV infection, which presented as chronic cervical lymphadenopathy with an elevated serum IgG4 and a very high IgE. Histologically, lymph nodes showed expanded sinusoids and burnt-out germinal centers with increased plasmacytic infiltration and collagen fiber deposition. The absolute number of IgG4+ plasma cells and the IgG4+/IgG+ plasma cell ratio was increased. The lymph nodes were enlarged and clinically the patient improved after steroid treatment. Nine months later, he was diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, following presentation with a cavitary left lung lesion. Immunohistochemical studies on the previously resected lymph node revealed complete absence of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and increased CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The pathologic findings met the criteria of both HIV infection and IgG4-related lymphadenopathy. Our case demonstrates that further investigations for underlying HIV infection in a case of IgG4-RD are critical, especially when extremely elevated IgE is concomitantly present.

Head and neck inflammatory pseudotumor: Case series and review of the literature

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IP) is an uncommon idiopathic lesion that often imitates malignancy clinically and radiologically. Inflammatory pseudotumors have been found to occur in various sites but rarely in the head and neck. The histopathology, imaging, and treatment of three unique cases of head and neck inflammatory pseudotumors are described in this case series. Patients in Cases 1 and 2 presented with right level II neck mass and left parotid tail mass, respectively. The patient in Case 3 presented with otalgia, jaw pain and trismus, and a left parapharyngeal space mass. The tumors in Cases 1 and 3 significantly decreased in size with tapered courses of oral corticosteroids. The tumor in Case 2 was surgically excised without disease recurrence. Malignancy must be ruled out with incisional or excisional biopsy. Treatment includes surgical excision, oral corticosteroids, or both. The literature shows that radiotherapy and small-molecule inhibitors may be promising alternatives.

Diagnostic dilemma of IgG4-related primary localized cervical lymphadenopathy associated with aberrant IL-6 expression level

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized inflammatory condition with single- or multi-organ involvement. The disease is characterized by tumefactive lesions with dense IgG4 plasmacytic infiltration (an elevated IgG4(+)/IgG(+) cell ratio of > 40 %), storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis, with or without elevated serum IgG4 levels. The diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, proposed in 2011, were quite comprehensive and practical; however, it is important to remember that other diseases, such as hyper-interleukin (IL)-6 syndromes, may have common histopathological findings. Therefore, the histopathology of suspected IgG4-RD is occasionally not diagnostic. Here, we report a case of IgG4-related primary localized cervical lymphadenopathy without any other organ involvement. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of this. Additionally, the disease was associated with a 20-fold increase in IL-6 levels compared to that of the normal range.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 52-year-old Japanese man who presented with a painless, somewhat diffuse swelling in the left submandibular region. Although the case fulfilled diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, the diagnosis was not straightforward due to abnormally high levels of serum IL-6. After systematic evaluation of the patient, a final diagnosis of IgG4-RD was established. Since then, a specialist in connective tissue disorders has evaluated the patient on a regular basis. Two years after his initial visit, no disease progress or systemic involvement has been noted.

CONCLUSION

We present a case of an IgG4-related primary localized cervical lymphadenopathy mimicking hyper-IL-6 syndrome. This case can serve as an excellent reminder that the definitive diagnosis of IgG4-RD should be established using a systematic approach, in particular when it appears as an atypical manifestation.

Recurrent Mastoiditis Mimics IgG4 Related Disease: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized entity that causes progressive fibrosis and formation of mass lesions. IgG4-RD can be diagnosed histologically by its hallmarks of storiform fibrosis, prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, and obliterative phlebitis, accompanied by the infiltration of excessive numbers of IgG4-positive plasma cells as well as elevations in serum IgG4 concentrations. A recent publication reported a case of IgG4-RD in the mastoid sinus, representing a new anatomic location for this disease. We report two additional cases of IgG4-RD occurring in the mastoid and causing clinical mastoiditis. The presenting symptoms were varied-tinnitus, hearing loss, and cranial nerve palsies. All three cases showed a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, storiform type fibrosis as well as elevated numbers of IgG4 positive plasma cells. The three patients responded to immunosuppressive therapy that included steroids and Rituximab. We further investigated 162 consecutive mastoiditis cases at our institution in order to determine the frequency of IgG4-RD as a previously unrecognized cause of mastoiditis. Within this latter cohort we identified nine cases of mastoiditis that had two of the histologic features of IgG4-RD, specifically storiform fibrosis and a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Two of these cases showed >50 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high-power field with IgG4-IgG ratio of >40 %, thus fulfilling histological criteria for IgG4-RD. However, both were due to severe acute or chronic infection. In conclusion, we reaffirm IgG4 related mastoiditis as a distinct but uncommon cause of recurrent mastoiditis. The diagnosis of IgG4-related mastoiditis should be rendered with caution, and only after the exclusion of potential mimickers, particularly infection.

Cheilitis glandularis: Case report with respect to immunohistochemical findings

Cheilitis glandularis (CG) is a rare benign affection of the lip mucosa. The etiology and pathogenesis of CG are unknown. Surgical measures are the leading therapeutic options to treat CG. This case report on a 55-year-old female illustrates the recurrent affection of the lips over several years and local therapy. Furthermore, the study of the resected glands intends to differentiate the lesions with respect to the recently introduced concept of immunoglobulin G4-related diseases.

Unusual cause of maxillary sinus mass with proptosis

We report a case of a 21-year-old Indian man with an 8-month history of left-sided headache, maxillary sinus mass, proptosis and swelling of the left temple, whose contrast-enhanced CT scans of the paranasal sinuses showed an enhancing, destructive soft tissue mass involving the left maxillary sinus, orbit, infratemporal fossa and anterior cranial fossa, suggestive of a malignancy or chronic granulomatous disease. Histopathological examination of the sinus mass, which was debulked and partially excised via an endoscopic approach, suggested a diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease of the maxillary sinus. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining and biochemical tests confirmed the diagnosis. We highlight the importance of considering this increasingly recognised but rare entity that can mimic a malignant lesion with its clinical and radiological features but which, unlike the latter, has a very good prognosis with appropriate treatment.

Extranodal hematopoietic neoplasms and mimics in the head and neck: an update

The head and neck region is a common site for extranodal lymphomas, second only to the gastrointestinal tract; and 12% to 15% of all head and neck tumors are lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are most common, and Hodgkin lymphoma occurs rarely at extranodal sites in the head and neck. Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the head and neck region are of B-cell lineage, and the Waldeyer ring is the most common site. Head and neck lymphomas have distinctive epidemiological and clinicopathologic features, including an association with immunosuppression, infectious organisms, or autoimmune disorders; site-specific differences (eg, thyroid gland versus ocular adnexa) for common lymphomas, such as extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue; and genetic differences that provide insights into etiology. Furthermore, the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphomas at extranodal sites implies differences in prognosis and therapeutic implications with lymphomas at nodal sites. In this review, we discuss various types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and Hodgkin lymphoma, focusing on unique aspects related to the head and neck region. We also discuss a number of newer entities that are clinically indolent as well as mimics of lymphoma that can occur in the head and neck region, including infectious mononucleosis, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, Kimura disease, Castleman disease, and immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

IgG4-related autoimmune diseases: Polymorphous presentation complicates diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

IgG4-associated autoimmune diseases are systemic diseases affecting multiple organs of the body. Autoimmune pancreatitis, with a prevalence of 2.2 per 100,000 people, is one such disease. Because these multi-organ diseases present in highly variable ways, they were long thought just to affect individual organ systems. This only underscores the importance of familiarity with these diseases for routine clinical practice.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, and on the published conclusions of international consensus conferences.

RESULTS

The current scientific understanding of this group of diseases is based largely on case reports and small case series; there have not been any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to date. Any organ system can be affected, including (for example) the biliary pathways, salivary glands, kidneys, lymph nodes, thyroid gland, and blood vessels. Macroscopically, these diseases cause diffuse organ swelling and the formation of pseudotumorous masses. Histopathologically, they are characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with IgG4-positive plasma cells, which leads via an autoimmune mechanism to the typical histologic findings--storiform fibrosis ("storiform" = whorled, like a straw mat) and obliterative, i.e., vessel-occluding, phlebitis. A mixed Th1 and Th2 immune response seems to play an important role in pathogenesis, while the role of IgG4 antibodies, which are not pathogenic in themselves, is still unclear. Glucocorticoid treatment leads to remission in 98% of cases and is usually continued for 12 months as maintenance therapy. Most patients undergo remission even if untreated. Steroid-resistant disease can be treated with immune modulators.

CONCLUSION

IgG4-associated autoimmune diseases are becoming more common, but adequate, systematically obtained data are now available only from certain Asian countries. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a prerequisite to proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment algorithms and RCTs are needed to point the way to organ-specific treatment in the future.

Plasma cell granuloma of the oral cavity: a mucosal manifestation of immunoglobulin G4-related disease or a mimic?

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that oral plasma cell granuloma may represent a mucosal manifestation of immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in the oral cavity. The study sample comprised two males and four females, aged 54-79 years (median 62 years). The lesions were localized on gingival/alveolar mucosa (four cases), hard palate, and floor of the mouth, measuring 17-40 mm (median 31 mm). The duration of the lesions ranged from 3 months to several years. Information on IgG4 serum levels was available for two patients, and these were increased to 1.85 and 1.65 g/L, respectively. The follow-up period ranged 11-30 months (median 13 months). None of the lesions recurred, and none of the patients developed any manifestation of IgG4-RD. Microscopically, all cases presented as nodular lesions composed of numerous polyclonal plasma cells admixed with lymphocytes, histiocytes, mast cells, and eosinophils, set within collagenized stroma in variable proportions. Obliterative phlebitis was observed in two cases. The number of IgG4-positive plasma cells ranged between 51 and 142 per HPF (median 114), while the IgG4/IgG ratio values ranged between 0.16 and 0.72 (median 0.44) and were above 0.40 in three cases. Based on international criteria, two cases were diagnosed as definite and one as probable IgG4-RD. Oral plasma cell granuloma is a heterogeneous group of lesions, and a subset may represent a mucosal manifestation of IgG4-RD in the oral cavity.

[Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease. A review of head and neck manifestations]

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (also known as hyper-IgG4 disease) is a recently defined emerging condition with highly heterogeneous clinicopathological features and variable disease manifestations. This disorder is characterized by unifocal or multifocal (multiorgan) involvement by tumefactive plasma cell-rich inflammatory infiltrates associated with prominent fibrosclerosis. This not uncommonly interferes with organ function resulting in diverse clinical symptoms. The autoimmune pancreatitis represents the prototype of this disease; however, to date almost all organs have been reported to be involved in this disorder. In the head and neck area several presentations of this disease may be encountered in salivary glands, lacrimal glands, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, soft tissue of the neck, ear and sinonasal tract. However, IgG4 positive plasma cells are occasionally prominent in non-specific chronic inflammatory conditions of the head and neck and the oral cavity unrelated to autoimmune diseases or systemic disorders, thus representing diagnostic pitfalls. The diagnosis of IgG4-related disease should be based on a combination of typical histological, clinical and serological findings.

Clinical Manifestations of IgG4-Related Disease in the Pharynx

Objective:

The objective of this report is to characterize IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) as it is manifested in the head and neck and describe a series of patients with a rarely described presentation in laryngopharyngeal subsites.

Methods:

Here, we illustrate the presentation and clinical course of 3 patients with laryngopharyngeal manifestations of IgG4-RD, including the manner of diagnosis and effective treatment.

Results:

Three patients with laryngopharyngeal lesions were ultimately diagnosed with IgG4-RD after lengthy work-up. The diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols are explained.

Conclusion:

IgG4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory disorder now described in almost every organ system. The head and neck regions are among the most common areas of involvement, however, reports of laryngopharyngeal involvement are rare. We also summarize current knowledge of this entity and discuss established diagnostic criteria and clinical findings.

Manifestations of immunoglobulin G4 related disease in otolaryngology: case reports and review of the literature

Background:

Immunoglobulin G4 related disease is an inflammatory condition characterised by the presence of fibrotic lesions infiltrated by immunoglobulin G4 positive plasma cells. It can arise from almost any region of the body and it is being increasingly recognised in the head and neck. Regardless of the site of involvement, the histopathological resemblance is remarkable. Dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, overabundance of immunoglobulin G4 bearing plasma cells and presence of storiform fibrosis are typical findings.

Case reports:

This paper presents two cases of immunoglobulin G4 related disease in which there was involvement of the orbit, the infraorbital nerve and the infratemporal fossa. Diagnosis was established in both cases by biopsying radiologically abnormal tissue in the infratemporal fossa.

Conclusion:

An awareness of this condition is required to establish the diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. Glucocorticoids are the mainstay of initial treatment. The effectiveness of B-lymphocyte depletion with rituximab has also been reported. Correct diagnosis may spare patients from unnecessarily radical surgery.

Perplexing lesions of the sinonasal cavity and skull base: IgG4-related and similar inflammatory diseases

OBJECTIVE

IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) causing sinonasal and skull base pathology is uncommonly described. We present a series of suspected IgG4RD patients, with a pertinent review of the literature to highlight diagnostic challenges.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Case series of patients with IgG4RD or suspected IgG4RD involving the sinonasal cavity and skull base.

RESULTS

We present 4 patients with atypical sinonasal and/or skull base disease who were noted to have IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration on immunohistochemistry of biopsy specimens. IgG4RD, a recently described entity affecting multiple organs, is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and often elevated serum IgG4. IgG4RD can masquerade as malignancy or infection but responds to glucocorticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapy. IgG4RD has been infrequently reported presenting as sinonasal or skull base lesions, and definitive diagnostic criteria for these regions are not established. In our series, IgG4RD was suspected in all 4 patients, but only 1 met all current criteria for definitive diagnosis. All 4 patients, however, responded to corticosteroid therapy, and 1 was placed on long-term azathioprine.

CONCLUSION

IgG4RD is rarely described in the sinonasal cavity and skull base, and specific diagnostic criteria for such disease have not been defined. We present a series of patients with IgG4-positive plasma cell inflammatory pathology who were suspected to have IgG4RD. Our series highlights diagnostic challenges associated with these patients. Tumefactive and destructive sinonasal-skull base lesions with a plasma cell-rich infiltrate should incite suspicion of IgG4RD, and immunohistochemistry for IgG4-positive plasma cells should be performed.