Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis of the cecal pole and appendix vermiformis with increase of IgG4-positive plasma cells

Virchows Arch. 2014 Jan;464(1):113-6. doi: 10.1007/s00428-013-1507-0. Epub 2013 Nov 19.

Abstract

Here we describe the clinicopathological course of a 20-year-old female patient with enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis (ELP) of the appendix vermiformis and cecal pole with increase of IgG4-positive plasma cells. The patient presented with acute abdomen, suspicious of acute appendicitis. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed tumefaction of the cecal pole and appendix vermiformis. Histologic examination revealed mural thickening and a dense lymphoplasmocytic, partly obliterative infiltrate of the veins with sparing of the arteries, diagnostic of ELP. In addition, we found an elevated number of IgG4-positive plasma cells blended in with the lymphocytes. The IgG4-to-IgG ratio accounted for >40 %. This case meets the histopathological criteria requested for IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and thus opens the possibility that ELP might be part of the IgG4-RD spectrum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Appendix / blood supply*
  • Appendix / pathology
  • Cecum / blood supply*
  • Cecum / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Phlebitis / immunology*
  • Phlebitis / pathology
  • Plasma Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G