IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis

Immunoglobulin G4-related spinal pachymeningitis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a complex immune-mediated condition that causes fibrotic inflammation in several organs. A significant clinical feature of IgG4-RD is hypertrophic pachymeningitis, which manifests as inflammation of the dura mater in intracranial or spinal regions. Although IgG4-RD can affect multiple areas, the spine is a relatively rare site compared to the more frequent involvement of intracranial structures.

CASE SUMMARY

A 70-year-old male presented to our hospital with a two-day history of fever, altered mental status, and generalized weakness. The initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple small infarcts across various cerebral regions. On the second day after admission, a physical examination revealed motor weakness in both lower extremities and diminished sensation in the right lower extremity. Electromyographic evaluation revealed findings consistent with acute motor sensory neuropathy. Despite initial management with intravenous immunoglobulin for presumed Guillain-Barré syndrome, the patient exhibited progressive worsening of motor deficits. On the 45^th day of hospitalization, an enhanced MRI of the entire spine, focusing specifically on the thoracic 9 to lumbar 1 vertebral level, raised the suspicion of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis. Subsequently, the patient was administered oral prednisolone and participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program that included gait training and lower extremity strengthening exercises.

CONCLUSION

IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis, diagnosed on MRI, was treated with corticosteroids and a structured rehabilitation regimen, leading to significant improvement.

Spinal cord compression by cystic IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis mimicking neurocysticercosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

To report a case of IgG4-related pachymeningitis presenting with cystic lesions mimicking neurocysticercosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 40-year-old female patient with tetraparesis, dysphagia and dysphonia was evaluated with clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and meningeal biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement involving the cranial, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments with spinal cord compression and cystic lesions. CSF immunology was initially positive for cysticercus cellulosae. After disease progression a meningeal biopsy was compatible with IgG4 related disease. The patient had partial response to rituximab and needed multiple surgical procedures for spinal cord decompression and CSF shunting.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the possibility of IgG4-related disease in patients with diffuse pachymeningitis causing spinal cord compression, even with cystic lesions on MRI. Diagnosis of IgG4-related pachymeningitis is paramount due to the possibility of treatment response to immunotherapy, particularly to anti-CD20 agents.

Intrathecal IgG4 synthesis in IgG4 related spinal hypertrophic pachymeningitis: a case report

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related hypertrophic pachymeningitis of the spinal cord is a rare condition, characterized by infiltration of the spinal meninges with IgG4-producing plasma cells and subsequent hypertrophic fibrosis. Here, we report on a 65-year-old woman with IgG4 associated hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis, in whom cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was a decisive diagnostic tool. Not only could we demonstrate an intrathecal IgG4 production, but also IgG4 positive plasma cells in CSF. Following decompressive surgery, diagnosis of IgG4 associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis was confirmed histologically. Surgery and immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab were associated with clinical improvement. This case highlights CSF analyses as diagnostic tool for detection of IgG4 related hypertrophic pachymeningitis.

Epiduritis related to IgG4 disease: A very rare cause for spinal cord compression

Background

Inflammatory pseudotumors are rare, and those attributed to immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) diseases are even less frequently encountered. Here, we reviewed 41 cases from the literature of spinal inflammatory pseudotumors due to IgG4 and have added our single new case.

Case Presentation

A 25-year-old male presented with progressive back pain, bilateral paraparesis, and sphincter dysfunction. His deficit was attributed to MR-documented posterolateral lesion between the T5 and T10 levels for which he levels underwent a T1-T1010 laminectomy. The pathology revealed an immunoglobulin G4-related inflammatory pseudotumor. Postoperatively, the patient additionally required systemic and epidural administration of glucocorticoids.

Conclusion

IgG4-related disease is an emerging clinical condition that rarely involves the central nervous system. Spinal inflammatory pseudotumors, including IgG4 disease, should be more commonly considered among the potential differential diagnoses of lesions compressing the spinal cord.

Case report: Clinical highlights and radiological classification of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis: A rare case series and updated review of the literature

Purpose

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis associated with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) has been rarely reported, and there is little information and no clear consensus on the management of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis (IgG4-RSP). The present study described its possible clinical features, including the symptoms, imaging, treatment and prognosis of patients with IgG4-RSP.

Methods

We report three patients who presented with progressive neurological dysfunction due to spinal cord compression. Relevant articles were searched from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and the resulting literature was reviewed.

Results

The literature review provided a summary of 45 available cases, which included three cases from our center. Progressive worsening of neurological impairment was observed in 22 patients (48.9%). The lesions involved the thoracic spine (n=28, 62.2%), cervical spine (n=26, 57.8%), lumbar spine (n=9, 20.0%), and sacral spine (n=1, 2.2%). Furthermore, the lesions were located in the dura mater (n=18, 40.0%), epidural space (n=17, 37.8%), intradural-extramedullary space (n=9, 20.0%), and intramedullary space (n=1, 2.2%). On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the lesions generally appeared as striated, fusiform, or less often lobulated oval changes, with homogeneous (n=17,44.7%) and dorsal (n=15,39.5%) patterns being the most common. Thirty-five patients had homogeneous T1 gadolinium enhancement. Early surgical decompression, corticosteroid treatment, and steroid-sparing agents offered significant therapeutic advantages. A good therapeutic response to disease recurrence was observed with the medication.

Conclusion

The number of reported cases of IgG4-RSP remains limited, and patients often have progressive worsening of their neurological symptoms. The features of masses identified on the MRI should be considered. The prognosis was better with decompression surgery combined with immunosuppressive therapy. Long-term corticosteroid treatment and steroid-sparing agent maintenance therapy should be ensured. A systemic examination is recommended to identify the presence of other pathologies.

IgG4-related brain pseudotumor mimicking CNS lymphoma. A case report

Here, we report a case of IgG4-related brain pseudotumor (IgG4-BP) in a 39-year-old woman, mimicking central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. She presented with headache, fever, and fatigue. Her medical history was notable for appearance of a tumefactive brain lesion seven years before. Brain biopsy performed at the age of 32 revealed nonspecific inflammatory changes, and her condition improved with oral low-dose steroid therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging performed at the age of 39 identified a hyperintensity lesion with edema located at the medial temporal lobe region adjacent to the inferior horn of the left lateral ventricle on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, which showed gadolinium-contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images and a slightly hyperintensity signal on diffusion-weighted images. Methionine-positron emission tomography (PET) depicted a high methionine uptake in the lesion. Additionally, soluble levels of interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and IL-10 were increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Based on these findings, we suspected CNS lymphoma and performed partial resection of the brain lesion. Pathological examination revealed prominent lymphocytic infiltration associated with plasma cell infiltration. Most of the plasma cells were immunoreactive for IgG4. Storiform fibrosis and partially obliterative phlebitis were concomitantly observed. Thus, the patient was diagnosed as having IgG4-BP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of IgG4-BP with detailed findings obtained by CSF testing, methionine-PET, and pathological examination. Because IgG4-related diseases can present as a pseudotumor that mimics CNS lymphoma, it is essential to carefully differentiate IgG4-BP from CNS lymphoma.

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Spinal Intramedullary Inflammatory Pseudotumor: A Case Report and Literature Review

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune disease that affects several organs. An inflammatory pseudotumor is a histologically proven benign tumor-like lesion that most commonly involves the lung and orbit. It is rare in the central nervous system, but rarest in the spinal canal. In this report, we present a case of IgG4-related intramedullary spinal inflammatory pseudotumor, along with a literature review. A 29-year-old male was transferred to the Department of Neurosurgery of Lanzhou University Second Hospital with progressive quadriparesis after numbness and weakness in both lower limbs for 50 days. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine revealed an isointense signal on T1-weighted images and a hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images from an enhanced mass located at the thoracic vertebrae region, for which a schwannoma was highly suspected. Then, a posterior median approach was adopted. The lesion was resected. The patient received further glucocorticoid after the diagnosis of an IgG4-related inflammatory pseudotumor was established, and the patient's symptoms improved, such as quadriparesis and lower limb weakness. This case highlights the importance of considering IgG4-related inflammatory pseudotumor as a differential diagnosis in patients with lesions involving the spinal intramedullary compartment and lower limb weakness when other more threatening causes have been excluded. IgG4-related inflammatory pseudotumor is etiologically unclear and prognostically unpredictable, and imaging may not help establish the diagnosis of IgG4-related inflammatory pseudotumor due to its resemblance to malignant tumors, and total resection might not be warranted. Glucocorticoid and surgery are usually the first-line treatments used.

The Relationship Between Exacerbation of Pachymeningitis and Chemotherapy: A Case Report

Pachymeningitis is a rare disorder that involves the dura mater of the cranial and spinal nerves. It can lead to localized or diffuse thickening of the dura mater as an inflammatory reaction. Very little is known about this uncommon disease, and even less is known about its exacerbating factors and relationship with chemotherapy.

In this report, we present a case of an 86-year-old man with metastatic bladder carcinoma on chemotherapy who experienced worsening pachymeningitis with symptoms such as headache, aphasia, weakness, and seizures. The patient responded well to steroids, and his symptoms improved. This association between exacerbation of pachymeningitis and chemotherapy is rarely encountered, and its mechanism of action is poorly understood. We hope this case report will add to the existing literature on this uncommon phenomenon and its exacerbating factors.

[Unusual forms of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system]

BACKGROUND

White matter lesions of the central nervous system (CNS) are frequently encountered on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. If the morphologic findings, clinical symptoms and laboratory results are not typical for one of the more common inflammatory CNS diseases, the diagnosis may become challenging, which also means that interesting and sometime emotional discussions may arise.

OBJECTIVE

While frequent causes of inflammatory CNS diseases were already discussed in a previous article, we now focus on more seldom forms and place attention on morphologic characteristics which may help to find the correct diagnosis.

Neurosurgical and neuro-immunological management of IgG4-related hypertrophic sclerosing pachymeningitis. A literature survey and discussion of a unique index case

BACKGROUND

Dural thickening is observed in lymphoma, dural carcinomatosis, meningioma, tuberculosis, and autoimmune diseases. We encountered a patient with dural thickening and complaints of neck and back pain, numbness and loss of strength in the hands. The patient also suffered from polychondritis and had previously received steroid and methotrexate treatment for this indication. The patients' serum was also positive for ANA, yet she did not have any other findings suggesting lupus. Our radiological and pathological analysis revealed IHSP (IgG4-related hypertrophic sclerosing pachymeningitis). In this review study, we provided a detailed literature survey to increase the awareness about IHSP in the neurosurgical community.

METHODS

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)-based radiological analyses revealed a posterior extramedullary spinal mass extending from C2 to T2-T3 level. The dural mass was surgically excised and a broad panel of immunohistochemical markers including S100, EMA, CD246/ALK-1, CD45, CD20, CD79a, CD138, CD68, CD1a and CD34 was studied. Immunoglobulin heavy chain/kappa chain gene rearrangement analysis was performed which ruled out a lymphoproliferative disorder.

RESULTS

MRI and pathological findings suggested IHSP. As the disease relapsed with a new anterior extramedullary multilobulated lesion extending from C5 to T1 level, the patient is now closely monitored for further medical and surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

IHSP is a relatively novel entity of hypertrophic pachymeningitis and should be included in the differential diagnosis of dural thickening. The fibrosis accompanying IHSP may not respond to medical treatment, which includes steroids and immunosuppressive agents. Additionally, neurological deficits, seizures, spinal decompression, hydrocephalus, or brainstem compression necessitate early surgical intervention. A continued vigilance is also necessary as the disease may relapse long-term following surgical treatment.

Unusual presentation of immunoglobulin G4-related disease: A case report

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an inflammatory disease characterized by a tumor-like infiltration of IgG4 positive plasma cells and fibrosis in various organs. The exact pathogenesis remains unknown. In this article, we discuss the diagnostic management of IgG4-RD with reference to clinical, serologic, pathological and radiological data on a 17-year-old male patient with lumbar vertebral involvement.

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis of the Spine: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Spinal immunoglobulin G4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IgG4-HP) is a rare disease. Little information is known regarding the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with spinal IgG4-HP.

METHODS

The authors present a case of spinal IgG4-HP with a systematic review of the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant studies (up to April 2020) that reported patients with spinal IgG4-HP, based on the criteria of Japan College of Rheumatology, were identified from the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

RESULTS

This systematic review identified 33 patients, including the present case, of whom 21 were male and 12 were female. The mean value of age was 51.2 (±12.6) years. Eight patients had systemic involvement. In addition, among 33 patients, 13 patients had an elevated serum IgG4. Surgery was performed in 31 patients. Steroid therapy alone and steroid therapy with immunosuppressants were effective in 94% and 100% of the cases, respectively. Furthermore, 31 of 33 patients reported improved outcomes, 1 patient died due to infection, and in 2 patients the data were not available.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal IgG4-HP is a rare entity. In addition, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions around the spinal cord. Histopathology with immunohistochemistry results provides the most reliable evidence for diagnosis. Steroid therapy is the first line of treatment. Surgical decompression may be required in patients presenting with nerve root and/or spinal cord compression. Long-term follow-up is necessary for patients with spinal IgG4-HP.

A Case With IgG4-Related Spinal Pachymeningitis Causing Spinal Cord Compression

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a systemic disease characterized by sclerosing lesions and an increased serum IgG4 level. This condition can involve any organ, but IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis is relatively rare. In the current study, we report a case of spinal cord compression caused by IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis. A 39-year-old man presented to us with a 15-day history of back pain and a 3-day history of dysuresia, exacerbated by weakness in the lower extremities for 2 days. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed strip-shaped abnormal signals along the anterior and posterior borders of the spinal cord at the C5–T4 levels. The IgG level in cerebrospinal fluid was 718.0 mg/L. Thoracic MRI revealed strip-shaped abnormal signals with remarkable enhancement along the anterior and posterior borders of the dural sac at the T1–T6 levels. Histopathological examination confirmed IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis. The symptoms worsened rapidly, and surgical resection of the space-occupying lesion in the vertebral canal was performed for spinal decompression. Corticosteroid therapy was administered, and the patient's motor functions were mildly improved. IgG4-related disease can manifest as spinal pachymeningitis and cause spinal cord compression. Clinicians should be aware of this rare condition, and early diagnosis, timely surgical decompression, and appropriate corticosteroid therapy should be highlighted.

Immunoglobulin G4-related spinal pachymeningitis

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is rare disease entity and has recently been recognized as an inflammatory disorder with the tendency to affect multiple organs. Pachymeningitis of spine caused by IgG4-related disease is extremely rare. Neck pain and spinal cord compression symptoms consist of usual presentation of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis; however, polyarthritis is an unusual presentation of this disease, and it was reported in only one case that mimicked psoriatic arthritis. In this report, we describe a case of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis in a middle-age male who presented initially with neck pain and rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms and later on developed both right upper and lower limb weakness. He was found to had pachymeningeal thickening on a cervical magnetic resonance image (MRI) and elevated serum IgG4 levels. He was treated with glucocorticoids and rituximab, which led to a significantly positive radiological response.

First Report of IgG4 Related Disease Primary Presenting as Vertebral Bone Marrow Lesions

IgG4-related disease is a fibro-inflammatory disorder characterized by swelling of tissues and affected organs accompanied by the development of scar tissue (fibrosis) and infiltration by IgG4 positive plasma cells. Almost any organ can be affected, including, but rarely, bone marrowinvolvement. Here we present a case of a 76-year-old male with IgG4-related disease presenting primarily with vertebral bone marrow lesions. Histopathology showed the typical features of storiform fibrosis, and increased IgG4 positive plasma cells. Treatment with corticosteroids significantly improved wellbeing and resolved lesion size on MRI.

A Series of Biopsy-proven Patients with Immunoglobulin G4-related Neurological Disease

Aim:

To study the clinical presentation, radiological findings, and therapy responsiveness of patients with biopsy-proven immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related neurological disease.

Methods:

The study was conducted between January 2016 and March 2018 from the Department of Neurology and Pathology of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences. Patients with neurological symptoms and biopsy suggestive of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) were included. These patients were studied for their demographic pattern and clinical presentation. The presence of serological markers such as vasculitic profile and IgG4 levels was analyzed. Radiological findings were studied in detail. Therapeutic agents used and the response to therapy were assessed.

Results:

There were six cases with IgG4-related neurological disease which were all hypertrophic pachymeningitis. The age ranged from 35 to 64 (mean = 46) years. The clinical presentation was acute in one, subacute in two, and chronic in three patients. The most common presenting symptom was headache (4), followed by gait and/or urinary disturbances (2), paraparesis (1), and diplopia (1). IgG4 levels were elevated in 50% of them. Pseudotumor-like mass and sinovenous thrombosis, not described previously, were seen in one patient. All the patients were treated with oral or intravenous steroid. Rituximab was given in three patients; azathioprine was the steroid-sparing agent in one patient. Those with acute/subacute onset of presentation had an excellent response to steroids. All the patients with a chronic duration of their symptoms received empirical anti-tuberculous therapy before a definitive diagnosis of Ig G4-RD was made.

Conclusions:

The characterization of patients with IgG4-related neurological disease based on the understanding of the clinical spectrum increases the confidence in the clinician to resort to early immunosuppression, thereby having prognostic implications.

Neuro-surgical considerations for treating IgG4-related disease with rare spinal epidural compression

Background:

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a group of distinct autoimmune disorders affecting nearly every organ system in the body. Although central nervous system involvement is quite rare, it may present as hypertrophic pachymeningitis more frequently affecting the brain than the spine. In this study, we provide a case of spinal IgG4-RD pseudotumor resulting in cord compression, and a comprehensive review of the literature.

Case Description:

A patient presented with an extradural mass causing spinal cord compression at the L2-L3 level. Pathologically this proved to be an IgG4-RD pseudotumor. The patient was treated with thecal sac decompression and post-operative steroids that resulted in complete resolution of his symptoms.

Conclusion:

IgG4-RD is typically under-recognized and under-reported in the spinal literature. The clinical spinal presentation and non-surgical vs. surgical treatment are relatively straightforward. Although most cases can be managed with a course of steroids, surgical decompression may be required in patients presenting with spinal cord and/or nerve root compression. The differential diagnoses for these spinal tumors or pseudotumors should include IgG4-RD. Early detection and appropriate treatment can lead to satisfactory outcomes.

IgG4-related disease presenting as intradural extramedullary lesion: a case report and review of the literature

Object: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibro-inflammatory disorder affecting various anatomical sites, and only recently was identified to affect the dura of the spine. The authors present the second reported case of an intradural extramedullary lesion consistent with IgG4-related spinal disease. Methods: A literature review was performed that identified 15 other cases of spinal disease, and common features of all known reported spinal IgG4-RD are discussed. Results: Spinal IgG4-RD typically affects males of approximately 50 years of age, and often presents as a T1 and T2 hypo- or isointense lesion that homogenously enhances. Surgical intervention typically involves subtotal resection or biopsy, and histopathologic findings include increased IgG4-positive cells or an IgG4:IgG ratio >40%. The disease responds well to steroids early on, and treatment can include adjuvant therapy such as azathioprine. Conclusions: Systemic involvement is possible, and, early treatment can quickly minimize disease burden. Thus, increased suspicion would result in early diagnosis and improved prognosis.

Neurological Manifestations of IgG4-Related Disease

OPINION STATEMENT

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder. Early recognition of IgG4-RD is important to avoid permanent organ dysfunction and disability. Neurological involvement by IgG4-RD is relatively uncommon, but well recognised-hypertrophic pachymeningitis and hypophysitis are the most frequent manifestations. Although the nervous system may be involved in isolation, this more frequently occurs in conjunction with involvement of other systems. Elevated circulating levels of IgG4 are suggestive of the condition, but these are not pathognomonic and exclusion of other inflammatory disorders including vasculitis is required. Wherever possible, a tissue diagnosis should be established. The characteristic histopathological changes include a lymphoplasmacytoid infiltrate, storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis. IgG4-RD typically responds well to treatment with glucocorticoids, although relapse is relatively common and treatment with a steroid-sparing agent or rituximab may be required. Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD is likely to lead to the development of more specific disease treatments in the future.