IgG4-related pleural disease in a patient with a history of unknown origin acute pancreatitis: a case report and review of the literature

Acta Clin Belg. 2019 Dec;74(6):465-468. doi: 10.1080/17843286.2018.1564173. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is a rare autoimmune systemic disease with the capability of involving every organ. The disease is microscopically defined by a diffuse tissular inflammation with an infiltration of IgG4 positive plasma cells in the affected organs. IgG4 disease has an increasing incidence in the last few years with a growing interest in its pathophysiology still misunderstood to date. Despite the growing recognition of this pathology, the literature still does not allow to propose a simple diagnostic algorithm. In this article, we present a case of a 56-year-old man with a history of unknown etiology acute pancreatitis and a unilateral pleural effusion.

Keywords: IgG4; auto-immunity; pancreatitis; pleural disease; pleuritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease* / diagnosis
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease* / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease* / physiopathology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatitis* / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis* / immunology
  • Pancreatitis* / physiopathology
  • Plasma Cells / pathology
  • Pleura / pathology
  • Pleural Effusion* / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion* / immunology
  • Pleural Effusion* / physiopathology
  • Serologic Tests / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Methylprednisolone