IgG4-related Disease: a diagnostic challenge

Immunoglobulin IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition with a characteristic histopathological appearance that can affect almost any organ. The clinical features result from a focal or diffuse appearance of a tumor-like swelling of the affected organs, identified by physical and/or imaging examination. Herein, we report the case of a 38-year-old male complaining of a worsening chronic right lumbar pain associated with legs and scrotum edema. He also had itchy and erythematous cutaneous lesions on the abdominal wall over the last 8 months, and complained of a diffuse and mild to moderate abdominal discomfort. On examination, the liver was firmly enlarged and tender. His legs had 2+ symmetrical pitting edema extending from his feet to just above the knees. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a large mass (10 x 8 x 4cm) involving the abdominal infrarenal aorta and the iliac arteries, and compressing the inferior vena cava, with dilated iliac veins, raising the possibility of lymphoproliferative disease. During the initial investigation, the laboratory workup revealed anemia, without other marked changes. A laparoscopic-guided biopsy of the peri-aortic mass was undertaken. The histological report associated with IgG4 immunoglobulin measurement rendered the diagnosis of IgG4-RD. The patient had a favorable outcome after the use of glucocorticoids with the abdominal mass remission.