IgG4-related lung and pleural disease: a clinicopathologic study of 21 cases

Am J Surg Pathol. 2009 Dec;33(12):1886-93. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0b013e3181bd535b.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disorders can occur in the respiratory system. However, the clinicopathologic characteristics have not been well clarified. In this study, we examined clinical and pathologic features of, and follow-up data on, IgG4-related lung and pleural lesions. The patients group consisted of 17 males and 4 females with an average age of 69 years (range: 42 to 76). Pulmonary lesions in 16 patients and pleural lesions in 5 patients were examined. Histologically, all lesions showed diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Irregular fibrosis and obliterative vascular changes were more common in solid areas. Nine cases (43%) had eosinophilic infiltration with more than 5 cells per high-power field. Immunostaining revealed numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells in inflamed areas. Sclerosing inflammation was distributed with intrapulmonary connective tissue. Pulmonary lesions showed a variety of morphologic changes according to the predominant area of inflammation. Serum IgG4 concentrations were elevated in 9 of 11 patients tested (average 6.9 g/L; range 0.3 to 18.0 g/L; normal range <1.35 g/L). Extra-pulmonary and extra-pleural IgG4-related lesions were identified in 9 patients (43%), and developed simultaneously or asynchronously during follow up. All patients treated with steroids responded, but some radiologic abnormalities remained in 3 patients. Interestingly, 1 patient was found to have a primary adenocarcinoma against a background of IgG4-related lung disease during follow up. In conclusion, IgG4-related diseases show a greater variety of pulmonary and pleural lesions than previously thought. It is important, therefore, to know the morphologic variety and clinicopathologic characteristics of this disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis*
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lung / immunology*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / genetics
  • Lung Diseases / immunology*
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleura / immunology*
  • Pleura / pathology
  • Pleural Diseases / genetics
  • Pleural Diseases / immunology*
  • Pleural Diseases / pathology
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Steroids