Mikulicz's disease combined with IgG4-related hypophysitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related diseases are very uncommon, and its diagnosis and treatment are complicated as it encompasses multiple disciplines. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old woman was admitted with a jaw mass and nausea and vomiting. Laboratory tests showed elevated serum IgG4, pituitary MRI suggested thickening of the pituitary stalk, and head and neck CT suggested orbital and mandibular masses. Patients with mandibular mass were diagnosed with Mikulicz's disease with IgG4-related hypophysitis. We found no other evidence of causing thickening of the pituitary stalk. She was given oral prednisolone 30 mg daily, and her nausea and vomiting improved significantly, and the mandibular and ocular masses decreased in size. CONCLUSION: Mikulicz's disease combined with IgG4-related hypophysitis is a rare case of IgG4-RD in elderly women. IgG4-RD is one of the causes of head and neck exocrine gland mass and pituitary stalk thickening in the elderly.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome misdiagnosed as Mikulicz's disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, and Mikulicz's disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder. Both MD and SS are more common in middle-aged female, and the dry eyes could be presented in both of them with different degree. The MD patients are characterized by symmetrical swelling of the lacrimal glands which also can occur in the early stage of SS. And the imaging findings between early stage of SS and MD are lack of specificity. Therefore, SS and MD have similarities in the clinical manifestations, imaging and pathological findings and are confused in diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old female patient presented with bilateral swelling of the upper eyelids for 2 years. She also reported having dry mouth and dry eyes which could be tolerated. The Schirmer's test result is positive and the laboratory tests indicate serum total IgG increased. In the bilateral lacrimal gland area could palpate soft masses. The orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination showed bilateral lacrimal gland prolapse. While the histopathological result was considered as MD. The immunohistochemical (IHC) staining results were positive for IgG and negative for IgG4. To clarify the diagnosis, SS-related laboratory tests were performed: anti-SSA antibody (+++), anti-SSB antibody (+++), anti-Ro-52 antibody (+++). With a comprehensive consideration, the final diagnosis was SS. CONCLUSION: When the clinical manifestations are atypical, it is necessary to pay attention to the differential diagnosis of SS and MD.

Differentiation between IgG4-related Mikulicz disease and Sjögren's syndrome: A review case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: IgG4-related diseases cause lesions in various organs throughout the body. In otorhinolaryngology, IgG4-related Mikulicz's disease is suspected and diagnosed based on the presence of lesions of the head and neck, salivary and lacrimal gland enlargement, and bilateral sinus opacity concentrated on the maxillary sinuses. However, in some cases, it is necessary to consider about differentiation between IgG4-related Mikulicz's disease and Sjögren syndrome. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: A 75-years-old male patient visited our hospital with bilateral otitis media with effusion, which was resistant to conservative treatment. Other symptoms at presentation included enlarged bilateral submandibular and sublingual glands marked oral dryness, severe decrease in saliva secretion (1 mL/10 minutes), and dry eyes. We conducted a Schirmer's and fluorescent dye tests, both of which were positive. High serum IgG4 levels were observed, and although the Sjögren syndrome (SS)-A/SS-B antibodies were negative, marked hypolacrimation and tear secretion were observed. Therefore, a detailed examination considering both IgG4-related Mikulicz's disease and SS was conducted. Salivary gland scintigraphy performed prior to the salivary gland biopsy revealed a marked decrease in uptake, which satisfied the diagnostic criteria for SS; however, it was difficult to diagnose IgG4-related disease based on the diagnostic definition. INTERVENSIONS: Although a definitive diagnosis of SS was made, the persistent otitis media with effusion that was resistant to conservative treatment and bilateral mixed hearing loss were confirmed. As mixed hearing loss is considered an otological symptom of IgG4-related disease, oral steroid treatment was administered. OUTCOME: Thereafter, marked recovery of hearing and reduced swelling and induration of the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands were observed. Clinically, IgG4-related Mikulicz's disease was strongly suspected, but a definite diagnosis of SS was made. LESSONS: In the absence of an IgG4-related Mikulicz's disease diagnosis, careful differentiation between IgG4-related Mikulicz's disease and 2 diseases and their diagnostic criteria was essential.

Enfermedad relacionada con IgG4: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / IgG4-related disease: a case report and literature review

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4-RD) -related disease is a regional or systemic fibroinflammatory disease of unknown etiology. It has a characteristic histopathological appearance of dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates with abundant IgG4 positive plasma cells, storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis with the appearance of inflammatory swelling or swollen lesions. This entity frequently affects the pancreas, salivary glands, and lymph nodes, but it can compromise almost any structure in the human anatomy. This new disease entity includes a wide variety of diseases such as Mikulicz disease, autoimmune pancreatitis, Riedel's thyroiditis, interstitial nephritis, and retroperitoneal fibrosis. Glucocorticoid therapy can resolve clinical and pathologic abnormalities and impaired organ function. IgG4-RD was internationally recognized in 2011, and new evidence has accumulated on its pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and treatment. However, much is still unknown about the behavior of IgG4 in vivo, the participation of this molecule in disease, and whether its role in IgG4-related disease is primary or secondary. The text below is based on a brief review of the most recent literature on this entity in relation to a clinical case.

Pathology of salivary gland dysfunction and restoration of function.

In this review, the author shows that simultaneous multiple disorders caused by reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus can lead to salivary gland disorders as part of Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Therefore, clinicians must differentiate SS from other diseases when diagnosing and treating salivary gland disorders. In particular, the author explains how microbial infection in SS overcomes immunological tolerance, leading to pathological changes, and how cytokine overexpression and endocrine disrupters contribute to glandular tissue injury. Also, the author suggests that involvement of reactive oxygen species is a common pathogenesis of salivary gland disorders and SS, so regulation of oxidative stress is an effective treatment for both. The results of clinical studies on restoring salivary gland function and regenerating salivary glands with tissue stem cells may provide clues on elucidating the cause of SS.

Differences in clinical characteristics of IgG4-related disease across age groups: a prospective study of 737 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) among different age groups. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 737 patients who were newly diagnosed with IgG4-RD and compared detailed demographic features, organ involvements, laboratory tests, treatments and outcomes across age groups. The patients were divided into five groups according to their age at diagnosis: ≤39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and ≥70 years. The clinical characteristics of paediatric patients were also described. RESULTS: Sex ratio, disease duration, allergy history and clinical symptoms were significantly different across age groups. Besides, the proportions of superficial organ involvement (lacrimal gland and sinus) decreased with age, while the proportions of internal organ involvement (pancreas, biliary tract, retroperitoneal tissue, lung and prostate) increased with age, which was more prominent in male patients. Mikulicz's disease was the most common manifestation (70%) in paediatric IgG4-RD patients. Multiple Cox analysis identified that age ≤56 years at diagnosis was an independent risk factor of relapse. CONCLUSION: We revealed the impact of age on clinical characteristics of IgG4-RD, which indicated that different management might be required among different age groups.

A case report of Mikulicz's disease.

Mikulicz's disease is a unique condition involving the enlargement of the lacrimal and salivary glands, similar to that observed in Sjogren's syndrome; however, Mikulicz's disease is clinically characterized by infrequent autoimmune reactions and responsiveness to glucocorticoid treatment. The ultrasound features of the lacrimal and salivary glands in patients with IgG4-Mikulicz's disease were characterized by multiple hypoechoic areas of varying sizes within the enlarged glands. IgG4 serum level was also elevated, in contrast to the detection of normal levels in Sjogren's syndrome. In this article, we intended to illustrate a case of Mikulicz's disease with clinical and imaging features.

Clinical phenotypes of IgG4-related disease: an analysis of two international cross-sectional cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a heterogeneous, multiorgan condition of unclear aetiology that can cause organ failure. Difficulty recognising IgG4-RD contributes to diagnostic delays. We sought to identify key IgG4-RD phenotypes. METHODS: We used two cross-sectional studies assembled by an international, multispecialty network of IgG4-RD specialists who submitted 765 cases to derive and replicate phenotypic groups. Phenotype groups of disease manifestations and key covariate distributions across the identified groups were measured using latent class analysis. RESULTS: In the derivation cohort (n=493), we identified four groups with distinct manifestations: Group 1 (31%), Pancreato-Hepato-Biliary disease; Group 2 (24%), Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and/or Aortitis; Group 3 (24%), Head and Neck-Limited disease and Group 4 (22%), classic Mikulicz syndrome with systemic involvement. We replicated the identification of four phenotype groups in the replication cohort. Compared with cases in Groups 1, 2 and 4, respectively, cases in Group 3 were more likely to be female (OR 11.60 (95% CI 5.39 to 24.98), 10.35 (95% CI 4.63 to 23.15) and 9.24 (95% CI 3.53 to 24.20)) and Asian (OR 6.68 (95% CI 2.82 to 15.79), 7.43 (95% CI 2.97 to 18.56) and 6.27 (95% CI 2.27 to 17.29)). Cases in Group 4 had a higher median serum IgG4 concentration (1170 mg/dL) compared with groups 1-3 (316, 178 and 445 mg/dL, respectively, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We identified four distinctive IgG4-RD phenotypes according to organ involvement. Being Asian or female may predispose individuals to head and neck-limited disease. These phenotypes serve as a framework for identifying IgG4-RD and studying its aetiology and optimal treatment.

Espectro clínico de la enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 en Colombia / Clinical spectrum of IgG4-related disease in Colombia

RESUMEN La enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 es una condición inflamatoria sistémica, caracterizada por la infiltración de diversos órganos por complejos formados por células plasmáticas IgG4 positivas, asociadas con niveles elevados de IgG4 en el suero. El diagnóstico de esta enfermedad es complejo y los hallazgos clínicos no son patognomónicos. En esta serie de casos, describimos un amplio espectro clínico en 4 pacientes, en quienes, después de descartar otros diagnósticos, se confirmó la enfermedad relacionada con IgG4. A pesar de que esta enfermedad no es común, se debe considerar entre los diagnósticos diferenciales de enfermedades con afectación de múltiples órganos. Este reporte de pacientes con enfermedad relacionada con IgG4, en Colombia, resalta un amplio espectro de presentaciones clínicas, incluyendo estenosis subglótica, pancreatitis autoinmune, fibrosis retroperitoneal y compromiso sistémico.

ABSTRACT IgG4-related disease is an inflammatory systemic condition noted by the infiltration of different organs by IgG4-bearing plasma cells, as well as elevated serum IgG4 levels. Diagnosis of this condition is complex, and clinical findings are not particularly indicative. In this case series, a description is presented on 4 patients with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, in whom, after ruling out different options, a diagnosis of IgG4 related disease was confirmed. Despite this disease not being common, it should be considered among the options whenever multiple organs are affected. This report of patients with IgG4-related disease in Colombia highlights a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, including subglottic stenosis, autoimmune pancreatitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and systemic compromise.

Genes and pathways associated with the occurrence of malignancy in benign lymphoepithelial lesions.

There is increasing evidence concerning the occurrence of malignant lymphoma among people suffering from Mikulicz disease, also termed benign lymphoepithelial lesion (BLEL) and immunoglobulin G4­associated disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the malignant transformation remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the gene expression profile between BLEL and malignant lymphoepithelial lesion (MLEL) conditions using tissue microarray analysis, to identify genes and pathways which may be associated with the risk of malignant transformation. Comparing gene expression profiles between BLEL tissues (n=13) and MLEL (n=14), a total of 1,002 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified including 364 downregulated and 638 upregulated DEGs in BLEL. The downregulated DEGs in BLEL were frequently associated with immune­based functions, immune cell differentiation, proliferation and survival, and metabolic functions, whereas the upregulated DEGs were primarily associated with organ, gland and tissue developmental processes. The B cell receptor signaling pathway, the transcription factor p65 signaling pathway, low affinity immunoglobulin γ Fc region receptor II­mediated phagocytosis, the high affinity immunoglobulin ε receptor subunit γ signaling pathway and Epstein­Barr virus infection, and pathways in cancer, were the pathways associated with the downregulated DEGs. The upregulated DEGs were associated with three pathways, including glutathione metabolism, salivary secretion and mineral absorption pathways. These results suggested that the identified signaling pathways and their associated genes may be crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant transformation from BLEL, and they may be considered to be markers for predicting malignancy among the BLEL group.

Mikulicz Disease Mimicking Intraorbital Tumors.

We report a case of Mikulicz disease (MD), an immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease that affects the lacrimal and salivary glands. IgG4-related disease is a relatively new clinical entity and is not commonly encountered by neurosurgeons. MD sometimes mimics intraorbital tumors such as malignant lymphoma but responds well to corticosteroid treatment. Thus it is important to recognize the clinical and radiographic features of MD.

[IgG4-related disease: a case report]. / Enfermedad asociada a IgG4: reporte de un caso.

IgG4-related disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of IgG4. It affects salivary and lacrimal glands, pancreas, lymph nodes, lungs or kidney. The diagnosis is based on identifying a histological pattern with a dense lymphocyte and plasmacyte infiltration, focal fibrosis or phlebitis, finding more than 10 IgG4 positive cells per high power field and/or IgG4/IgG ratio in plasma higher than 40%. We present a patient with Mikulicz's disease who meets histological findings required for the diagnosis of IgG4 related disease.

La enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 es una condición fibroinflamatoria en la que existe elevación de IgG4, afección a nivel de glándulas salivares, lacrimales, páncreas, ganglios linfáticos y pulmón. Para su diagnóstico se requiere la identificación de un patrón histológico sugestivo que muestre infiltrado linfoplasmocitario denso, fibrosis focal o flebitis a nivel de una glándula, más de 10 células positivas para IgG4 por campo de gran aumento y relación de IgG4/IgG arriba de 40% en plasma. Describimos el caso de una paciente que presentó enfermedad de Mikulicz y cumplió con los datos histológicos para diagnóstico de enfermedad relacionada con IgG4.

IgG4-related Disease - A Patient with Multiple Organ Involvement.

IgG4-related diseases represent a heterogeneous group of conditions characterised by elevated serum IgG4 levels and fibrotic or sclerosing changes in the affected organs or systems accompanied by IgG4-positive plasma cells. A disease associated with IgG4 may affect virtually any organ - salivary glands, periorbital tissue, kidneys, lungs, meninges, aorta, prostate, pericardium or skin. Histopathological findings are uniform, characterised by a major lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate and the presence of IgG4-producing plasma cells, irrespective of the affected site. It can be difficult to establish a correct diagnosis due to the lack of clinical symptoms. Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs provides good results and requires interdisciplinary cooperation.

Enfermedad relacionada con IgG4: revisión concisa de la literatura / IgG4-related disease: a concise review of the current literature

La enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 (ER-IgG4) es una entidad recientemente nominada para definir diversas enfermedades caracterizadas por infiltración linfoplasmocítica, fibrosis, presencia de un número aumentado de células IgG4+ y, en gran parte de los casos, niveles aumentados de IgG4 sérica, afectando frecuentemente el páncreas, las glándulas salivales y los ganglios linfáticos pero pudiendo comprometer casi cualquier estructura de la anatomía humana. Aunque su etiología se desconoce, se han realizado avances en el conocimiento de sus bases fisiopatológicas e inmunológicas, al igual que del rol de las células inflamatorias en el desarrollo de daño del órgano blanco. No existe hasta la fecha un consenso internacional sobre su diagnóstico, lo que no ha impedido avances terapéuticos muy importantes en su control y búsqueda de remisión. Se hace una revisión acerca de la historia, hipótesis sobre la etiología de la enfermedad, sus manifestaciones clínicas, abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico (AU)

IgG4-related disease is the term used to refer to a condition characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, fibrosis and an increased number of IgG4+ cells present in tissue, in most cases, with an elevated serum IgG4 level. This disease frequently affects the pancreas, salivary glands and lymph nodes, but can involve almost any tissue. Its etiology and the exact role of the different inflammatory cells in the damage to the target organ is still unclear. As yet, there is no international consensus about diagnostic criteria for the disease, but there are important advances in its treatment and in the quest to achieve remission. We include a review of the history, possible pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach and available therapeutic approaches (AU)