A case of alopecia as IgG4-related skin disease

Mod Rheumatol. 2019 May;29(3):538-541. doi: 10.1080/14397595.2016.1233929. Epub 2016 Nov 23.

Abstract

A 53-year-old man with autoimmune pancreatitis as IgG4-related disease presented alopecia. Immunostaining showed perifollicular infiltration of IgG4-positive cells and perifollicular/intrafollicular infiltration of predominantly CD4-positive cells, especially in the upper and lower parts. Alopecia areata is characterized by perifollicular/intrafollicular lymphocyte infiltration of the lower bulb and inflammation in the upper dermis. We determined the patient had IgG4-related skin disease, rather than alopecia areata. Alopecia as IgG4-related skin disease has not been reported previously.

Keywords: Alopecia; IgG4-related disease; IgG4-related skin disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia Areata / diagnosis*
  • Alopecia Areata / etiology
  • Alopecia Areata / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease / complications*
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged