Ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma arising in a patient with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease

[Interdisciplinary Management of Orbital Diseases]

Diagnosis and therapy of orbital diseases is an interdisciplinary challenge, in which i.e. otorhinolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, radiation therapists, maxillo-facial surgeons, endocrinologists, and pediatricians are involved. This review article describes frequent diseases which both, otolaryngologists and ophthalmologists are concerned with in interdisciplinary settings. In particular the inflammatory diseases of the orbit including orbital complications, autoimmunological diseases of the orbit including Grave´s orbitopathy, and primary and secondary tumors of the orbit are discussed. Beside describing the clinical characteristics and diagnostic steps the article focusses on the interdisciplinary therapy. The review is completed by the presentation of most important surgical approaches to the orbit, their indications and possible complications. The authors tried to highlight the relevant facts despite the shortness of the text.

Value of High-Frequency Ultrasonography in the Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative Assessment of Immunoglobulin G4-Related Submandibular Sialadenitis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of high-frequency ultrasonography in the evaluation of immunoglobulin G4-related submandibular sialadenitis (IgG4-SS).

METHODS

Thirty-four submandibular glands in 17 patients with IgG4-SS were retrospectively enrolled, as well as 34 submandibular glands in 17 healthy control subjects. Qualitative ultrasonic features including submandibular gland size, border, echogenicity, and vascularity were reviewed. Two different scoring systems (0-16 and 0-48, respectively) were used for semi-quantitative analysis of imaging features. Comparison of both qualitative and semi-quantitative ultrasonic analysis were made between patients with IgG4-SS and healthy controls. Spearman correlation was used to explore relationships between variables.

RESULTS

The submandibular glands with IgG4-SS presented with enlarged size, rough border, increased vascularity, and abnormal echogenicity (All P < .05). The most common echogenicity pattern for IgG-SS was diffuse hypoechoic foci pattern (44.1%), followed by superficial hypoechoic pattern (20.6%), tumor-like pattern (14.7%), and diffuse hypoechogenicity pattern (11.8%). Most IgG4-SS glands presented linear hyperechogenicity in parenchyma (91.2%). Based on both scoring system, scores of IgG4-SS were significantly higher than those of the controls (All P < .05). Association analysis of both scoring systems showed positive correlation of scores with vascularity in the gland parenchyma (All P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The ultrasonic features of IgG4-SS comprise enlarged gland, rough border, increased vascularity, and abnormal echogenicity, which correlate with its pathological characteristics. The most common echogenicity pattern for IgG4-SS was diffuse hypoechoic foci pattern. Semi-quantitative analysis systems could be useful in the assessment of IgG4-SS. Ultrasound is a potential, valuable, and non-invasive tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of IgG4-SS.

Malignancies in Immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease

PURPOSE

Clinical phenotypes in Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) according to the patterns of affecting organs have different risks of malignancies. We attempt to determine the association of malignancies with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Review of medical records, orbital images and histopathology reports in a territory-wide cohort of biopsy proven IgG4-ROD patients from 2005-2019.

FINDINGS

Among 122 patients who had biopsies taken from adnexal lesions including lacrimal glands (n = 108), orbital mass (n = 30), infiltrated orbital fat (n = 10), conjunctiva (n = 2) or extraocular muscles (n = 3), 13% (16/122) developed malignancies over 73 ± 48months' follow-up. There were 9 cases of ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) and 7 extra-orbital malignancies. Compared with the general population, the incidence of OAL was significantly higher (standardized incidence ratios, SIRs = 10.0, 95%CI = 4.5-17.6) while that of extra-orbital malignancies was similar. The SIRs was highest within the first year (SIR = 46.7, 95%CI = 18.5-87.6) when 7 OAL were concomitantly diagnosed. Patients who developed OAL or extra-orbital malignancies were older than other patients at IgG4-ROD diagnosis (64.9 ± 7.1, 68.3 ± 8.5 versus 55.2 ± 15.0 years, P < 0.05). Asymmetric lacrimal gland enlargement (78% versus 13%), lack of frontal (0% versus 12%) or infraorbital nerve enlargement (0% versus 36%) were associated with OAL (all P < 0.05). Pre-treatment serum IgG4 level or extra-orbital IgG4-RD involvement was similar among patients with or without malignancies.

CONCLUSION

In this biopsy-proven IgG4-ROD cohort, 7% developed OAL which was 10 times higher than the general population. Patients with asymmetric lacrimal gland enlargement or without trigeminal nerves involvement radiologically were associated with OAL.

The Biology of Ocular Adnexal Marginal Zone Lymphomas

This review focuses on the biology of ocular adnexal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of the mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) (OAMZL) subtype. The ocular adnexa includes all structures and tissues within the orbit except for the eye bulb. In the region of the ocular adnexa, MALT lymphomas represent the most common subtype of lymphoma, accounting for around 8% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. These lymphomas are often preceded by inflammatory precursor lesions. Either autoantigens or infectious antigens may lead to disease development by functioning as continuous antigenic triggers. This triggering leads to a constitutive activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The role of antigenic stimulation in the pathogenesis of OAMZL is supported by the detection of somatic mutations (partially with further intraclonal diversity) in their rearranged immunoglobulin V genes; hence, their derivation from germinal-center-experienced B cells, by a restricted IGHV gene usage, and the validation of autoreactivity of the antibodies in selected cases. In the established lymphomas, NF-κB activity is further enforced by mutations in various genes regulating NF-κB activity (e.g., TNFAIP3, MYD88), as well as recurrent chromosomal translocations affecting NF-κB pathway components in a subset of cases. Further pathogenetic mechanisms include mutations in genes of the NOTCH pathway, and of epigenetic regulators. While gene expression and sequencing studies are available, the role of differential methylation of lymphoma cells, the role of micro-RNAs, and the contribution of the microenvironment remain largely unexplored.

Spectrum of B-cell neoplasms associated with immunoglobulin G4-related disease

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) has rarely been associated with lymphoid neoplasms, the spectrum of which remains unclear. B-cell lymphoid neoplasms (LN) associated with IgG4-RD diagnosed in a 4-year period were analysed. There were five men and three women at a median age of 76.5 (52-90) years; three with synchronous IgG4-RD and LN; three with IgG4-RD preceding LN by 2, 3, and 22 years; and two with LN preceding IgG4-RD by 2.5 and 7 years. All patients presented with disseminated lymphadenopathy. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)/smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) was found in three patients, all with an IgGκ paraprotein. Levels of IgGκ and IgG4 correlated. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was found in three patients, with one case showing co-existing lymphoma and IgG4-RD in the same lymph node biopsy. The remaining two cases were marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) developing in a lacrimal gland previously involved by IgG4-RD; and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLP-HL) diagnosed in a lymph node with concomitant IgG4-RD. Low-dose continuous prednisolone was given for MGUS/SMM, with both monoclonal IgGκ and IgG4 responding. Combination chemotherapy was given for DLBCL, with two patients achieving complete response and one patient dying from refractory lymphoma. The patient with MZL refused treatment, whereas the case of NLP-HL responded completely to chemotherapy. Our findings together with previous observations suggest that IgG4-RD has an increased risk of B-cell neoplasms. Patients with IgG4-RD presenting with lymphadenopathy require vigorous investigations to exclude lymphoid neoplasms.

[IgG4-related disease]

BACKGROUND

The IgG4-related systemic disease as well as the homonymous variant IgG4-related orbital disease were first described less than 15 years ago. The mostly subacute clinical symptoms can be multifarious and the classical case is characterized by an orbital inflammatory condition with a bilateral enlargement of the lacrimal glands; however, any other orbital tissue with the exception of the eyeball can be affected by the lymphocytic inflammatory infiltration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Based on the current literature the clinical picture, epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment options are described. A focus is on the differential diagnostic demarcation from other inflammatory processes of the orbit.

CONCLUSION

The IgG4-related orbital disease is an important differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the orbit. The condition can exhibit considerable clinical and imaging similarity to idiopathic inflammation of the orbit, to the specific inflammations seen in systemic diseases, to Graves' orbitopathy and to lymphoproliferative diseases and lymphoma. After histopathologic confirmation the interdisciplinary clarification and treatment consensus are indispensable.

Follow-up with serum IgG4-monitoring in 8 patients with IgG4-related disease diagnosed by a lacrimal gland mass

The diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related disease were previously published and serum IgG4 measurement has been reimbursed by national health insurance in Japan since 2012. Eight patients diagnosed with IgG4-related disease based on lacrimal gland masses were retrospectively reviewed. The 8 patients were 3 men and 5 women ranging in age from 52 to 77 (median, 63) years at the initial visit and their follow-up period ranged from 0.25 to 11 (median, 7) years. Bilateral and unilateral involvement were noted in 4 patients each; 2 on the right side and 2 on the left side in those with unilateral involvement. Serum IgG4 was high in 5 of 8 patients at the initial visit. Five patients with no systemic signs were followed without treatment, whereas oral steroids were administered and tapered in the other 3 patients who exhibited systemic signs. One patient with a history of radiation for MALT lymphoma in bilateral lacrimal glands developed IgG4-related disease in the left lacrimal gland 10 years later and was followed without treatment. Nine years later, her serum IgG4 level increased to 1500 mg/dL and paracardiac lesions, found on positron emission tomography, were confirmed to be MALT lymphoma by needle biopsy, leading to systemic chemotherapy. The other 7 patients had neither local recurrence nor additional systemic signs. Serum IgG4 monitoring may be useful to detect systemic complications in IgG4-related ophthalmic disease and markedly high serum IgG4 levels may indicate new lymphoma at other sites.

Upregulated Expression of Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase in Ocular Adnexal Marginal Zone Lymphoma with IgG4-Positive Cells

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic disorder characterized by tissue fibrosis and intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, causing progressive organ dysfunction. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), a deaminase normally expressed in activated B-cells in germinal centers, edits ribonucleotides to induce somatic hypermutation and class switching of immunoglobulin. While AID expression is strictly controlled under physiological conditions, chronic inflammation has been noted to induce its upregulation to propel oncogenesis. We examined AID expression in IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD; n = 16), marginal zone lymphoma with IgG4-positive cells (IgG4+ MZL; n = 11), and marginal zone lymphoma without IgG4-positive cells (IgG4- MZL; n = 12) of ocular adnexa using immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly higher AID-intensity index in IgG4-ROD and IgG4+ MZL than IgG4- MZL (p < 0.001 and = 0.001, respectively). The present results suggest that IgG4-RD has several specific causes of AID up-regulation in addition to inflammation, and AID may be a driver of oncogenesis in IgG4-ROD to IgG4+ MZL.

Clinical Features and Prognoses of IgG4-Positive and IgG4-Negative Lacrimal Lymphomas

Purpose: The clinical characteristics and prognoses of immunoglobulin G4-positive (IgG4+) and IgG4-negative (IgG4−) lacrimal lymphomas were comparatively analyzed to screen for clinical indicators with differential diagnostic significance.

Methods: This was a retrospective and single-center clinical study. From June 2011 to June 2018, clinical data of 39 patients with lacrimal lymphoma, diagnosed by histopathology were collected from the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University.

Results: According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 (76.9%) were in the IgG4− group and 9 (23.1%) were in the IgG4+ group. In the IgG4+ group, the sex ratio of male to female was 2:1 and the mean age was 56.67 ± 13.29 years old. In the IgG4− group, the sex ratio of male to female was 3.29:1 and the mean age was 61.47 ± 12.87 years old. Statistical analysis of the clinical indicators showed significant differences between the two groups in affected eye, preoperative history of glucocorticoids, ocular nerve thickening, the expression of serum IgG4 and prognosis (P < 0.05). There was no significant statistical difference in laboratory indicators between the two groups, including C3, C4, RF, ASO, CRP, IgA, IgM, IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 (P > 0.05). The event-free cumulative percentages at 3 and 5 years for the 39 lacrimal lymphomas were 81.1 and 62.4%, respectively, with recurrence and death as end events. In 34 lacrimal gland MALT lymphoma cases, the event-free cumulative percentages at 3 and 5 years were 84.4 and 69.1%, respectively. In the IgG4+ and IgG4− groups, the event-free cumulative percentages at 3 years were 75.0 and 87.7%, respectively. The event-free cumulative percentage at 5 years was 62.6% in the IgG4-group and insignificant in the IgG4+ group. There was no statistical difference in event-free cumulative percentage between the two groups (P = 0.983).

Conclusion: The pathogenesis and disease characteristics of IgG4-positive lacrimal lymphoma may differ from IgG4-negative lacrimal lymphoma, but the positive expression of IgG4 may not have significant influence on the recurrence of lacrimal lymphoma.

Mimic of malignancy: delineating IgG4-related disease and lymphoma

Here, we describe the case of a 74-year-old man who was incidentally found to have a hepatic lesion during routine screening. Additional diagnostic studies demonstrated elevated IgG4 levels, IgG4 plasma cell-predominant lymphadenopathy and an inflammatory retroperitoneal mass encasing the bilateral ureters and the aorta. Given the concurrence of a lymphomatous process and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a multidisciplinary approach was required to determine whether targeting the lymphoma or IgG4-RD would be most efficacious. Discussions led to the decision to target treatment against IgG4-RD with systemic glucocorticoids, and subsequent imaging showed resolution of all lesions. To date, the patient remains symptom-free and has not experienced recurrence of his disease. This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care and the challenge inherent in targeting treatment between IgG4-RD and a concomitant lymphomatous process.

Ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma arising in a patient with immunoglobulin-G4-related ophthalmic disease: A 4-year delay in diagnosis

Ocular adnexal marginal zone B cell lymphomas (MZBLs) make up the majority of lymphomas arising from the ocular adnexa. Immunoglobulin-G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a recently proposed entity with several unique clinicopathological features, such as enlargement of affected organs, elevated serum IgG4 level, and infiltration with IgG4-positive plasma cells. Ocular adnexal MZBLs are reported to arise in IgG4-related sclerosing dacryoadenitis, indicating a possible link between the two conditions. Here, we describe a 37-year-old Omani male who presented with right periorbital swelling and proptosis 4 years before presentation. He was diagnosed to have right orbital pseudotumor and exhibited good response to steroid therapy. However, 4 years later, rapid swelling of the right orbital mass was observed. The patient underwent lacrimal gland biopsy. Although the histology was consistent with IgG4-related disease, the infiltrating large atypical lymphoid cells showed that immunoglobulin light-chain restriction and dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate involving the soft tissue were seen. Consequently, he was diagnosed with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma with abundant IgG4-positive cells of the right lacrimal gland.

IgG4-Related Disease: Beyond Glucocorticoids

IgG4-related disease is a heterogeneous immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition that can affect every single organ. This disease is more prevalent in the elderly (the mean age of patients is above 60 years) and the prevalence rate is estimated to be over 4.6 per 100,000 population. Before making a diagnosis, the exclusion of malignancies, lymphoma, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, multicentric Castleman disease, and other mimickers is crucial for appropriate treatment. Broad management guidelines have been published emphasizing the need for prompt treatment and the use of glucocorticoids as first-line drug therapy for induction of remission. However, the toxic effects of glucocorticoids are problematic because IgG4-related disease is more prevalent in patients above 60 years of age, a population with frequent comorbid conditions and polypharmacy. Immunosuppressants (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, leflunomide, and tacrolimus) and targeted immunomodulators (rituximab, XmAb5871, and abatacept) are appealing to overcome potential toxic effects of glucocorticoids and as emerging glucocorticoid-sparing and/or maintenance treatments. In this review, we provide an overview of our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease (T follicular helper cells, CD4⁺ cytotoxic T cells, plasmablasts, and alternatively activated M2 macrophages) and clinical characteristics, and highlight the potential targets for treatment intervention.

Survival in B-cell primary ocular lymphoma 1997-2014: a population-based study

This study sought to explore the prognostic factors in a large retrospective cohort of patients with B-cell primary ocular lymphoma (POL) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. There were 2778 patients with B-cell POL whose complete clinical information was listed in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 1997 and 2014. The epidemiology, therapeutic measures, and clinical characteristics were listed as descriptive statistics. Survival analysis was conducted by univariate and multivariable Cox regression models. Multivariate analysis identified age, lymphoma subtype, primary lesion, and radiation status as independent prognostic factors. For indolent lymphoma, radical treatment, especially intravenous chemotherapy, should be avoided. For invasive lymphoma, chemotherapy combined with full orbital irradiation is recommended. Radiotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy alone. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Radiation brings benefits, with tolerable neurotoxicity, to patients with invasive B-cell POL. Radical tumor treatment may not be needed for patients with indolent B-cell POL.