High serum immunoglobulin G4-related retrosternal fibrosclerosis

J Thorac Imaging. 2012 Nov;27(6):W190-2. doi: 10.1097/RTI.0b013e318241ba32.

Abstract

A 65-year-old man with a history of exposure to asbestos complained of left leg edema. Computed tomography showed a flat, symmetrical, and longitudinal retrosternal thickening in addition to a presacral tumor. Retroperitoneal fibrosis was suspected. Serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels were elevated (213 mg/dL). Thoracoscopic biopsy was performed. Histopathologic findings showed fibrotic tissue accompanied by proliferation of IgG4-positive plasma cells (proportion of IgG4/IgG-positive plasma cells ≥70%) indicative of multifocal fibrosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Male
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / blood
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / congenital*
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / pathology
  • Sclerosis
  • Sternum / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G

Supplementary concepts

  • Multifocal fibrosclerosis