The great mimicker: IgG4-related disease

Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Sep;32(9):1267-73. doi: 10.1007/s10067-013-2326-z. Epub 2013 Jul 23.

Abstract

IgG4-related disease is defined as a multi-organ systemic disorder with pathological findings affecting a wide range of organ systems. The condition unifies a large number of clinical diagnoses previously considered as being confined to single organ systems. At present, several issues related to its pathophysiology remained controversial, including the natural history of the disease, the pathogenic role of IgG4, and its use as a biomarker. Glucocorticoids are considered the treatment of choice for remission induction of IgG4-related disease manifestations; however, concerns regarding duration of therapy and management of refractory disease remained to be elucidated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Remission Induction
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasculitis / complications
  • Vasculitis / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Cytokines
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab