Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis

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.

An unusual cause of extrahepatic cholestasis associated with solid liver lesions: a case report

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis is a special type of cholangiopathy often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis. In this article, we report an unusual case of IgG4-SC limited to the common hepatic duct and associated with pseudo tumoral liver lesions, but without evidence of pancreatic involvement. Corticosteroid therapy was rapidly effective and allowed normalization of liver tests.

Management, outcomes and survival of an Australian IgG4-SC cohort: The MOSAIC study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) is the biliary component of the multisystem IgG4-related disease. We aimed to investigate the clinical features, demographics, treatment response and outcomes of IgG4-SC in a large Australian cohort.

METHODS

We conducted nationwide retrospective cohort via the Australian Liver Association Clinical Trials Network (ALA-CRN). 39 sites were invited to participate. IgG4-SC was defined by the clinical diagnostic criteria established by the Japanese Biliary Association in 2012. Data were collected on patient demographic, clinical and laboratory information, presenting features, response to therapy and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

67 patients meet inclusion criteria from 22 sites. 76% were male with mean age of 63.3 ± 14.5 years and a median IgG4 level of 3.6 g/L [0.09-67.1]. The most frequent presenting symptom was jaundice (62%) and abdominal pain (42%) and Type 1 biliary stricturing (52%) at the distal common bile duct was the most frequent biliary tract finding. Prednisolone was used as a primary treatment in 61 (91%) and partial or complete response occurred in 95% of subjects. Relapse was common (42%) in those who ceased medical therapy. After a median follow up of 3.9 years there was one hepatocellular carcinoma and no cholangiocarcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms the preponderance of IgG4-SC in males and highlights the steroid response nature of this condition although relapse is common after steroid cessation. Progression to malignancy was uncommon.

Imaging and Management of Liver Cancer

Imaging of primary hepatic neoplasms in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in patients with otherwise normal livers relies on proper multiphase image acquisition technique, with emphasis on a high-quality, late arterial phase, using either CT or MRI for accurate image interpretation. The introduction of liver imaging reporting and data system in 2011, with subsequent multiple updates, the most recent in 2018, has provided standardization of image interpretation, reporting and management recommendations for liver observations in patients at risk for HCC. This review article will emphasize key points of imaging primary liver tumors with emphasis on liver imaging reporting and data system, including strengths of this system. We will also review imaging of less common primary liver tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma and angiosarcomas. Imaging pitfall associated with primary liver malignancies will be demonstrated as well as ways to mitigate them. Finally, imaging and reporting of findings following locoregional treatment of HCC will be reviewed.