A Case of Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Presenting as a Pleural Mass

• Published in: Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases Vol. 76; no. 1; pp. 38 - 41
• Main Authors: Kim, Dong Hyun, Koh, Kyu Han, Oh, Hyeon Sik, Kim, Se Joong, Kang, Sae Han, Jung, Byung Wook, Song, Jun Gyu, Cheon, Mi Ju, Yoon, Seon Bin, Park, Yong Won, Ko, Young Min, Lee, Seung Hyeun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Immunoglobulin G; Autoimmune Diseases; Pleural Neoplasms
• ISSN: 1738-3536; 2005-6184

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a newly recognized condition characterized by fibroinflammatory lesions with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, storiform-type fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis. The pathogenesis is not fully understood but multiple immune-mediated mechanisms are believed to contribute. This rare disease can involve various organs and pleural involvement is even rarer. We report a case of IgG4-related disease involving pleura. A 66-year-old man presented with cough and sputum production for a week. Chest radiography revealed consolidation and a pleural mass at right hemithorax. Treatment with antibiotics resolved the consolidation and respiratory symptoms disappeared, but the pleural mass was unchanged. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed. Histopathology revealed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and storiform fibrosis with numerous IgG4-bearing plasma cells. The serum IgG4 level was also elevated. Further examination ruled out the involvement of any other organ. The patient was discharged without further treatment and there is no evidence of recurrence to date.