IgG₄-related sclerosing disease: a novel mimic of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

High levels of IgG₄-positive plasma cells are commonly seen in autoimmune pancreatitis. It has recently become evident that autoimmune pancreatitis is one component of a larger multi-system disease. IgG₄-positive plasma cells have been identified in many extrapancreatic tissues, including the colon, biliary tract, liver, and lungs, and thus the term "IgG₄-related sclerosing disease" has been proposed. Awareness of IgG₄-related sclerosing disease is important, as it has been shown to mimic other conditions like malignancy. This review discusses IgG₄-related colitis and its potential for mimicking inflammatory bowel disease.