Intrathoracic Manifestations of IgG4-Related Disease

  • Sian Yik Lim
  • Deepa Panikkath
Keywords: IgG4 related-disease, IgG4 lung disease, pleural disease, pulmonary disease

Abstract

Intrathoracic involvement with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is frequently overlooked in IgG4-related disease patients. In this article we review the intrathoracic findings of IgG4-RD which are variable and protean. IgG4-related disease has been reported to affect the lung parenchyma, pleura, mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes, vasculature, and pericardium within the thorax. Mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy is the most common intrathoracic manifestation of IgG4-RD. Four main patterns of pulmonary disease have been described, including the solid nodular type, the bronchovascular type, the alveolar interstitial type, and the round shaped ground glass type. When feasible, a biopsy should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis. Most lesions show characteristic pathologic findings of IgG4-RD: dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis. While this helps establish the diagnosis, the interpretation of pathology findings in the clinical context is key in making an accurate diagnosis. Mimickers of IgG4-RD should be ruled out, before making a diagnosis. The intrathoracic findings of IgG4-RD can be treated effectively with prednisone, but may require additional immunosuppressive therapies, including rituximab.

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Published
2016-10-12
How to Cite
Lim, S. Y., & Panikkath, D. (2016). Intrathoracic Manifestations of IgG4-Related Disease. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles, 4(16), 33-39. Retrieved from https://pulmonarychronicles.com/index.php/pulmonarychronicles/article/view/324