Journey to diagnosis:An unfinished exploration of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is an inflammatory disease that leads to bile duct stricture,characterized by the infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells into the bile duct wall,thickening of the bile duct wall,and narrowing of the lumen.The differential diagnosis of IgG4-SC mainly includes primary sclerosing cholangitis,cholangiocarcinoma,and pancreatic cancer.IgG4-SC is often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis and can be accurately diagnosed based on clinical diagnostic criteria.However,isolated IgG4-SC is difficult to distinguish from biliary tumors.Given the significant differences in biological behavior,treatment,and prognosis between these diseases,accurately identifying isolated IgG4-SC has very important clinical significance.

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis associated with essential thrombocythemia:A case report

BACKGROUND The complexity of immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)-related diseases and their potential connection to hematologic malignancies remains unclear.This article provided a review of the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(SC)and essential thrombocythemia(ET),along with an analysis of relevant literature to enhance comprehension of this disease.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old male was admitted to two hospitals with deteriorating jaundice and pruritus prior to hospitalization.Beyond our expectations,the patient was first diagnosed with IgG4-SC and ET with the Janus kinase 2 V617F mutation.Interestingly,the administration of acetate prednisone significantly resulted in improvements in both IgG4-SC and ET.Clinicians need to pay attention to immune disorders and inflammation as they contribute to the development of various disease phenotypes.CONCLUSION When IgG4-SC is suspected without histopathological evidence,diagnostic therapy and long-term regular follow-up can lead to positive treatment outcomes.Clinicians should be mindful of the potential presence of concurrent hematologic diseases in patients with immune disorders.

IgG4-related sclerosing disease

Based on histological and immunohistochemical exami- nation of various organs of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis （AIP）, a novel clinicopathological entity of IgG4-related sclerosing disease has been proposed. This is a systemic disease that is characterized by extensive IgG4-positive plasma cells and T-lymphocyte infiltration of various organs. Clinical manifestations are apparent in the pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, salivary gland, retroperitoneum, kidney, lung, and prosrate, in which tissue fibrosis with obliterative phlebitis is pathologically induced. AlP is not simply pancreatitis but, in fact, is a pancreatic disease indicative of IgG4- related sclerosing diseases. This disease includes AlP, sclerosing cholangitis, cholecystitis, sialadenitis, retro-peritoneal fibrosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, interstitial pneumonia, prostatitis, inflammatory pseudotumor and lymphadenopathy, all IgG4-related. Most IgG4-related sclerosing diseases have been found to be associated with AlP, but also those without pancreatic involvement have been reported. In some cases, only one or two organs are clinically involved, while in others, three or four organs are affected. The disease occurs predominantly in older men and responds well to steroid therapy. Serum IgG4 levels and immunos-taining with anti-IgG4 antibody are useful in making the diagnosis. Since malignant tumors are frequently suspected on initial presentation, IgG4-related sclerosing disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.

First case of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia

To our knowledge,patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia(AIHA)have not been reported previously.Many patients with IgG4-SC have autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)and respond to steroid treatment.However,isolated cases of IgG4-SC are difficult to diagnose.We describe our experience with a patient who had IgG4-SC without AIP in whom the presence of AIHA led to diagnosis.The patient was a73-year-old man who was being treated for dementia.Liver dysfunction was diagnosed on blood tests at another hospital.Imaging studies suggested the presence of carcinoma of the hepatic hilus and primary sclerosing cholangitis,but a rapidly progressing anemia developed simultaneously.After the diagnosis of AIHA,steroid treatment was begun,and the biliary stricture improved.IgG4-SC without AIP was thus diagnosed.

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis and chronic sclerosing sialadenitis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma and neck malignancy

To the Editor:IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis（IgG4-SC）has re cently been recognized as a biliary manifestation of IgG4-related disease（IgG4-RD）.Type 3 IgG4-SC pre sented biliary strictures in both the porta hepatis and the distal common bile duct（CBD）.;Its manifestation especially in the absence of autoimmune pancreatitis,is extremely rare and very similar to that of cholangiocarci noma（CC）.

Diagnosis of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis.However,the diffuse cholangiographic abnormalities observed in IgG4-SC may resemble those observed in primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC),and the presence of segmental stenosis suggests cholangiocarcinoma(CC).IgG4-SC responds well to steroid therapy,whereas PSC is only effectively treated with liver transplantation and CC requires surgical intervention.Since IgG4-SC was first described,it has become a third distinct clinical entity of sclerosing cholangitis.The aim of this review was to introduce the diagnostic methods for IgG4-SC.IgG4-SC should be carefully diagnosed based on a combination of characteristic clinical,serological,morphological,and histopathological features after cholangiographic classification and targeting of a disease for differential diagnosis.When intrapancreatic stenosis is detected,pancreatic cancer or CC should be ruled out.If multiple intrahepatic stenoses are evident,PSC should be distinguished on the basis of cholangiographic findings and liver biopsy with IgG4 immunostaining.Associated inflammatory bowel disease is suggestive of PSC.If stenosis is demonstrated in the hepatic hilar region,CC should be discriminated by ultrasonography,intraductal ultrasonography,bile duct biopsy,and a higher cutoff serum IgG4 level of 182 mg/dL.

Immunosuppressant treatment for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is a multi-system fibroinflammatory disorder that can involve any organ,including the salivary glands,pancreas,and biliary tree.Treatment of immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is similar to that for IgG4-RD,but progression is irreversible in some cases.We present a case of IgG4-SC in which an immuno-suppressant induced marked clinical and radiologic improvement.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old male presented with a prominent itching sensation and wholebody jaundice.He showed obstructive-pattern jaundice,an elevated IgG4 level,and infiltration of a large number of IgG4-positive cells in the ampulla of Vater.The imaging findings of intrahepatic duct(IHD)and common bile duct dilation,an elevated serum IgG4 level,and characteristic histological findings led to diagnosis of IgG4-SC that compatible with the 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria.We planned to treat the patient with high-dose glucocorticoid(GC),followed by cyclophosphamide pulse therapy.After treatment with high-dose GC and an immunosuppressant,imaging studies showed that IHD dilatation had completely resolved.CONCLUSION Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of IgG4-SC are important.Because there is a risk of relapse of IgG4-SC,the GC dose should be gradually reduced,and a maintenance immunosuppressant should be given.

Multiple intrahepatic artery aneurysms during the treatment for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis:A case report

BACKGROUND The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of multiple intrahepatic artery aneurysms during treatment for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)and to provide information for daily practice.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with IgG4-SC five years prior and was receiving maintenance treatment with prednisolone 7.5-10 mg/day.She developed abdominal pain and a sudden onset of black stool and was admitted to our hospital.Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)and ultra-sonography(US)revealed multiple intrahepatic artery aneurysms that developed during the treatment for IgG4-SC.Emergency transarterial embolization for mu-ltiple hepatic artery aneurysms was performed.Hepatic artery aneurysms disappeared on contrast-enhanced CT and US,the progression of anemia ceased,and the melena resolved.Thus,hemostasis was achieved.CONCLUSION Hepatic artery aneurysms should be considered poor prognostic complications of IgG4-SC.

Gastric IgG4-related disease mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND Gastric IgG4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is rarely encountered in clinical practice,and especially more so among pediatric patients.To our knowledge,this is the first report of IgG4-RD presenting as a calcifying gastric mass in a child.We describe how this entity was difficult to differentiate from a gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)imaging-based approaches.Therefore,this case highlights the importance of considering IgG4-RD in the differential diagnosis of gastric tumor before performing surgical resection,especially to distinguish it from malignancy to avoid unnecessary surgery.CASE SUMMARY The patient suffered from epigastric pain for several days.Panendoscopy and computed tomography scan revealed a submucosal tumor.Differential diagnoses included GIST,leiomyoma,teratoma,and mucinous adenocarcinoma.However,laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy allowed for the definitive diagnosis of IgG4-related stomach disease.CONCLUSION We emphasize the importance of considering IgG4-RD in the differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors before performing surgical resection.

A Case of Warthin’s Tumor Together with IgG4-Related Sialadenitis

Warthin’s tumor is the second most frequent neoplasm next to pleomorphic adenoma in the salivary gland. The tumor contains the epithelial oncocyte cells with the presence of rich-mitochondria and their surrounding abundant lymphocytes. A relatively new disease entity of IgG4-related disease frequently occurs in the salivary gland. However, the coexistence of Warthin’s tumor and IgG4-related disease is scarcely observed. We have recently experienced a rare case of Warthin’s tumor with IgG4-related sialadenitis. A 51-year-old man presented to our hospital, complaining of a mass with right submandibular tenderness and spontaneous pain. A computed tomography scan of the cervical region revealed a suspicion of lymph node proliferative disease, including malignant lymphoma. Elevated serum levels of IL-2R: 1843 U/ml (reference value 122 - 496 U/ml), IgG: 3430 mg/dl (reference value 861 - 1747 mg/dl), and IgG4: 3140 mg/dl (reference value 11 - 121 mg/dl) were observed. Other laboratory data showed within normal ranges. The cervical tumor was diagnosed as Warthin’s tumor by the findings of fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy examination. Immunohistochemistry revealed numerous IgG4- and IgG-positive cells with fibrosis surrounding the epithelial component of Warthin’s tumor, suggesting IgG4-rerated sialadenitis. Finally, we diagnosed the cervical tumor as Warthin tumor with IgG4-related sialadenitis. This is the second report describing a case of Warthin’s tumor with possible involvement of IgG4-related sialadenitis.

Isolated intrapancreatic Ig G4-related sclerosing cholangitis

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis(Ig G4-SC) is frequently associated with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP). Association with AIP can be utilized in the diagnosis of Ig G4-SC. However, some cases of Ig G4-SC are isolated from AIP, which complicates the diagnosis. Most of the reported cases of isolated Ig G4-SC displayed hilar biliary strictures, whereas isolated Ig G4-SC with intrapancreatic biliary stricture is very rare. Recently, we have encountered 5 isolated intrapancreatic Ig G4-SC cases that were not associated with AIP, three of which were pathologically investigated after surgical operation. They all were males with a mean age of 74.2 years. The pancreas was not enlarged in any of these cases. No irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct was found. Bile duct wall thickening in lesions without luminal stenosis was detected by abdominal computed tomography in all five cases, by endoscopic ultrasonography in two out of four cases and by intraductal ultrasonography in all three cases. In three cases, serum Ig G4 levels were within the normal limits. The mean serum Ig G4 level measured before surgery was 202.1 mg/d L(4 cases). Isolated intrapancreatic Ig G4-SC is difficult to diagnose, especially if the Ig G4 level remains normal. Thus, this type of Ig G4-SC should be suspected in addition to cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer if stenosis of intrapancreatic bile duct is present.

Usefulness of ultrasonography to assess the response to steroidal therapy for the rare case of type 2b immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis without pancreatitis:A case report

BACKGROUND A type 2b immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)-related sclerosing cholangitis(SC)without autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare condition with IgG4-SC.While the variety of the imaging modalities have tested its usefulness in diagnosing the IgG4-SC,however,the usage of ultrasonography for the assessment of the response to steroidal therapy on the changes of bile duct wall thickness have not been reported in the condition.Therefore,the information of our recent case and reported cases have been summarized.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of an 82-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with isolated IgG4-related SC based on the increase of serum IgG4,narrowing of the bile duct,its wall thickness,no complication of autoimmune pancreatitis,and IgG4 positive inflammatory cell infiltration to the wall with the fibrotic changes.The cholangiogram revealed type 2b according to the classification.Corticosteroid treatment showed a favorable effect,with the smooth decrease in serum IgG4 and the improvement of the bile duct wall thickness.CONCLUSION As isolated type 2b,IgG4-SC is rare,the images,histological findings,and clinical course of our case will be helpful for physicians to diagnose and treat the new cases appropriately.

Review of primary sclerosing cholangitis with increased IgG4 levels

Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC) is a chronic progressive liver disease. Subtypes of PSC have been described, most recently PSC with elevated serum and/or tissue IgG4 subclass. We aim to summarise the clinical phenotype,disease associations, differential diagnosis, response to therapy and pathogenic mechanisms underlying PSC-high IgG4 subtype. We reviewed Pub Med,MEDLINE and Embase with the search terms "primary sclerosing cholangitis","IgG4", and "IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)". Elevated serum IgG4 are found in up-to one-quarter, and abundant IgG4-plasma cell infiltrates in the liver and bile ducts are found in up-to one-fifth of PSC patients. This group have a distinct clinical phenotype, with some studies reporting a more aggressive course of liver and associated inflammatory bowel disease, compared to PSCnormal IgG4 and the disease mimic IgG4-SC. Distinguishing PSC-high IgG4 from IgG4-SC remains challenging, requiring careful assessment of clinical features,organ involvement and tissue morphology. Calculation of serum IgG4:IgG1 ratios and use of a novel IgG4:IgG RNA ratio have been reported to have excellent specificity to distinguish IgG4-SC and PSC-high IgG4 but require validation in larger cohorts. A role for corticosteroid therapy in PSC-high IgG4 remains unanswered, with concerns of increased toxicity and lack of outcome data. The immunological drivers underlying prominent IgG4 antibodies in PSC are incompletely defined. An association with PSC-high IgG4 and HLA class-II haplotypes(B*07, DRB1*15), T-helper2 and T-regulatory cytokines(IL4, IL10,IL13) and chemokines(CCL1, CCR8) have been described. PSC-high IgG4 have a distinct clinical phenotype and need careful discrimination from IgG4-SC,although response to immunosuppressive treatments and long-term outcome remains unresolved. The presence of IgG4 likely represents chronic activation to persistent antigenic exposure in genetically predisposed individuals.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Ig G4-related sclerosing cholangitis: a review

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis （IgG4-SC） is an IgG4-related disease characterized by bile duct fibroinflammatory wall-thickening and stenosis, resulting in obstruction jaundice, weight loss. Dif- ferent regions of the bile duct can be involved, with the distal region being the most common. IgG4-SC can also have other organ involvement, such as the pancreas, urinary tract, salivary glands and lacrimal glands. In clinical practice, the manifestation of IgG4-SC is very similar to cholangiocarcinoma （CC） and primary sclerosing cholangiUs （PSC）, as well as pancreatic malignancies, while the treatment and prognosis are totally different. Japanese researchers ever established the clinical diagnostic criteria in 2012： （1） charac- teristic biliary imaging findings; （2） elevated serum IgG4 concentrations; （3） the coexistence of IgG4-related diseases except those of the biliary tract; and （4） characteristic histopathological features. According to our observations, IgG4-SC can be distinguished from CC with 100% specificity only at a cutoff of six times the upper normal limit. Imaging findings have low specificity for diagnosis, with the exception of intraductal ultrasonography, which can reflect the lesion with relatively high specificity. IgG4 plasma cell infiltration can be found in bile duct biopsy tissue, although this procedure is difficult. According to recent studies, the treatment of IgG4-SC relies mainly on corticosteroids. Following steroid treatment, most IgG4-SC patients can recover and their symptoms are resolved although a few patients relapse after steroid withdrawal. Maintenance of steroid therapy or alternative drugs is necessary in such cases. There is, however, no stronq evidence for malignant transformation in I qG4-SC.

Autoimmune hepatitis and IgG4-related disease

IgG4-related disease(IgG4-RD) is a chronic-fibroinflammatory disorder affecting a wide range of organs. Elevation of serum IgG4 concentrations and abundant infiltration of IgG4-expressing plasma cells are key diagnostic features of this autoimmune disease. Although common organ involvement of IgG4-RD includes the salivary glands, pancreas, and bile duct, hepatic involvement is less well established. Recently, five studies identified a subtype of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH), called IgG4-associated AIH(IgG4-AIH). IgG4-AIH is diagnosed based on significant accumulation of IgG4-expressing plasmacytes in the liver in patients who met the diagnostic criteria for classical AIH. Although four of the five reports regarded IgG4-AIH based on hepatic accumulation of IgG4-positive cells alone, one report diagnosed IgG4-AIH based on both hepatic accumulation of IgG4-positive cells and elevated serum concentrations of IgG4. IgG4-AIH diagnosed based on the latter criteria may be a hepatic manifestation of IgG4-RD whereas IgG4-AIH diagnosed based on the former criteria may be a subtype of AIH. In this review article, we summarize and discuss clinicopathological features of IgG4-AIH.

Autoimmune pancreatitis in the context of IgG4-related disease:Review of imaging findings

Current understanding of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) recognizes a histopathological subtype of the disease to fall within the spectrum of IgG4-related disease. Along with clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data, imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of AIP, and more broadly, within the spectrum of IgG4-related disease. In addition to the defined role of imaging in consensus diagnostic protocols, an array of imaging modalities can provide complementary data to address specific clinical concerns. These include contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for pancreatic parenchymal lesion localization and characterization, endoscopic retrograde and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (ERCP and MRCP) to assess for duct involvement, and more recently, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to assess for extra-pancreatic sites of involvement. While the imaging appearance of AIP varies widely, certain imaging features are more likely to represent AIP than alternate diagnoses, such as pancreatic cancer. While nonspecific, imaging findings which favor a diagnosis of AIP rather than pancreatic cancer include: delayed enhancement of affected pancreas, mild dilatation of the main pancreatic duct over a long segment, the “capsule” and “penetrating duct” signs, and responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy. Systemic, extra-pancreatic sites of involvement are also often seen in AIP and IgG4-related disease, and typically respond to corticosteroid therapy. Imaging by CT, MR, and PET also play a role in the diagnosis and monitoring after treatment of involved sites.

Concurrent systemic AA amyloidosis can discriminate primary sclerosing cholangitis from IgG4-associated cholangitis

Chronic hepatobiliary inflammatory diseases are not widely acknowledged as underlying disorders of systemic AA amyloidosis,except epidemic schistosomiasis.Among them,primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) might initiate amyloid A protein deposition in diverse tissues,giving rise to systemic amyloidosis,due to a progressive and unresolved inflammatory process,and its possible association with inflammatory bowel diseases.Nevertheless,only one such case has been reported in the literature to date.We report a 69-year-old Japanese woman with cirrhosis who was diagnosed with PSC complicated with systemic AA amyloidosis,without any evidence of other inflammatory disorders.As a result of cholestasis in conjunction with biliary strictures and increased serum IgG4,the presence of IgG4 + plasma cells was examined systemically,resulting in unexpected documentation of Congo-red-positive amyloid deposits,but not IgG4 + plasma cells,in the liver,stomach and salivary glands.Elevated serum IgG4 is the hallmark of IgG4-related disease,including IgG4-associated cholangitis,but it has also been demonstrated in certain patients with PSC.Amyloid A deposits in multiple organs associated with an indolent clinical course that progresses over many years might have a diagnostic value in discriminating PSC from IgG4-associated cholangitis.

IgG4-related Autoimmune Pancreatitis Mimicking Acute Pancreatitis:A Case Report

IGG4-RELATED autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is themost common type of IgG4-related diseases. Theobservation of a diffused and localized enlargementof the pancreas and strictures in the main pancreaticduct on radiological imaging is essential fordiagnosing AIP. The clinical features of AIP which presentas a localized pancreatic mass greatly mimic pancreaticcancer. Cases with AIP mimicking pancreatic cancer arereported numerously. However, cases of IgG4-related AIPmanifesting acute pancreatitis symptoms and extensiveperipancreatic effusion are rarely observed. Meanwhile,acute pancreatitis is a common disease. If misdiagnosed asacute pancreatitis, IgG4-related AIP may progressseriously. Here, we report a rare case of IgG4-related AIPsuspected of acute pancreatitis because of epigastric painand extensive peripancreatic effusion on computed tomography(CT) images.

Interleukin-13 promotes cellular senescence through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in IgG4-related sialadenitis

Immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis(IgG4-RS)is an immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease and the pathogenesis is still not fully understood.The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of interleukin-13(IL-13)in the cellular senescence during the progress of IgG4-RS.We found that the expression of IL-13 and IL-13 receptorα1(IL-13Rα1)as well as the number of senescent cells were significantly higher in the submandibular glands(SMGs)of IgG4-RS patients.IL-13 directly induced senescence as shown by the elevated activity of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase(SA-β-gal),the decreased cell proliferation,and the upregulation of senescence markers(p53 and p16)and senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)factors(IL-1βand IL-6)in SMG-C6 cells.Mechanistically,IL-13 increased the level of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(p-STAT6)and mitochondrial-reactive oxygen species(mt ROS),while decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential,ATP level,and the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2).Notably,the IL-13-induced cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction could be inhibited by pretreatment with either STAT6 inhibitor AS1517499 or mitochondria-targeted ROS scavenger Mito TEMPO.Moreover,IL-13 increased the interaction between p-STAT6 and c AMP-response element binding protein(CREB)-binding protein(CBP)and decreased the transcriptional activity of CREB on SOD2.Taken together,our findings revealed a critical role of IL-13 in the induction of salivary gland epithelial cell senescence through the elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress in a STAT6–CREB–SOD2-dependent pathway in IgG4-RS.

IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis overlapping with Mikulicz's disease and lymphadenitis:A case report

Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)is a form of chronic pancreatitis that is categorized as type 1 or type 2according to the clinical profile.Type 1 AIP,which predominantly presents in a few Asian countries,is a hyper-IgG4-related disease.We report a case of IgG4-related AIP overlapping with Mikulicz’s disease and lymphadenitis,which is rare and seldom reported in literature.A 63-year male from Northeast China was admitted for abdominal distension lasting for one year.He presented symmetric swelling of the parotid and submandibular glands with slight dysfunction of salivary secretion for 6 mo.He had a 2-year history of bilateral submandibular lymphadenopathy without pain.He underwent surgical excision of the right submandibular lymph node one year prior to admission.He denied any history of alcohol,tobacco,or illicit drug use.Serological examination revealed high fasting blood sugar level(8.8 mmol/L)and high level of IgG4(15.2 g/L).Anti-SSA or anti-SSB were negative.Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a diffusely enlarged pancreas with loss of lobulation.Immunohistochemical stain for IgG4 demonstrated diffuse infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in labial salivary gland and lymph node biopsy specimens.The patient received a dose of 30 mg/d of prednisone for three weeks.At this three-week follow-up,the patient reported no discomfort and his swollen salivary glands,neck lymph node and pancreas had returned to normal size.The patient received a maintenance dose of 10mg/d of prednisone for 6 mo,after which his illness had not recurred.