The spectrum of IgG4-related disease in the abdomen and pelvis

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013 Jul;201(1):14-22. doi: 10.2214/AJR.12.9995.

Abstract

Objective: IgG4-related disease was not recognized as a specific clinical entity until 2003 when extrapancreatic lesions were reported in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis. IgG4-related disease is characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels and infiltration of the target organ by IgG4-positive plasma cells. The complete gamut of visceral involvement is still being outlined. The purpose of this article is to highlight the plethora of lesions under the spectrum of IgG4-related disease of the abdomen and pelvis, describe their imaging appearances on multimodality cross-sectional imaging, and discuss the differential diagnoses.

Conclusion: It is important for radiologists to recognize the multiorgan involvement and few classic features of IgG4-related disease that often tend to simulate malignancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Digestive System Diseases / blood
  • Digestive System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Digestive System Diseases / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Lymphatic Diseases / blood
  • Lymphatic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / immunology
  • Male
  • Male Urogenital Diseases / blood
  • Male Urogenital Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Male Urogenital Diseases / immunology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G