IgG4-related disease of the hepatobiliary tract : 2 case reports and review of the literature

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2018 Jan-Mar;81(1):83-87.

Abstract

IgG4-related disease is a rare inflammatory disorder that may mimic many infectious, malignant, and autoimmune conditions. The biliary tract is frequently involved, but hepatic lesions are rarely seen. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the absence of specific clinical and radiological signs, and the lack of an accurate diagnostic marker. Differential diagnosis includes cholangiocarcinoma, primary sclerosing cholangitis and intrinsic or metastatic liver disease. Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of therapy but treatment has not been standardized and relapse is common. Based on two cases of IgG4-related hepatobiliary disease, we review the current literature on this pathological entity.

Keywords: IgG4-associated cholangitis; biliary obstruction; diagnosis; hepatic pseudotumor; pathophysiology; treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Cholangitis / diagnosis*
  • Cholangitis / drug therapy*
  • Cholangitis / immunology
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Liver Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Liver Diseases / immunology
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunoglobulin G