IgG4-related systemic sclerosing disease of the ocular adnexa: a potential mimic of ocular lymphoma

Am J Clin Pathol. 2012 May;137(5):699-711. doi: 10.1309/AJCPE1G8DRHXRPIH.

Abstract

IgG4-related sclerosing disease has been described in the orbit and ocular adnexa. Of 164 biopsies of the ocular region for suspected lymphoma, we identified 6 cases of IgG4 disease, 4 of which were previously unrecognized. All 6 cases demonstrated increased plasma cells in a background of sclerosis and increased absolute numbers of IgG4-expressing cells. Our results confirm the difficulty in diagnosing IgG4-related sclerosing disease in the ocular region. Based on the findings, we suggest that specimens from biopsies of the eye and ocular adnexa for which a definitive diagnosis of lymphoma is not established undergo further workup for IgG and IgG4, particularly if increased plasma cells and sclerosis are present. When IgG4-expressing plasma cells account for greater than 50% of IgG-expressing plasma cells, a diagnosis of IgG4 disease should be considered. Timely recognition would benefit patients by allowing appropriate management with corticosteroid therapy and avoiding more aggressive or unnecessary therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Eye Diseases / immunology
  • Eye Diseases / pathology*
  • Eye Neoplasms / immunology
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Lymphoma / immunology
  • Lymphoma / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / immunology
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / pathology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G