
pmid: 23102767
Castleman's disease, an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder, can be difficult to differentiate from immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related disease. The latter is typically characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels and abundant IgG4-positive cells. However, multicentric Castleman's disease can also have elevated serum IgG4 levels and even fulfill the histological diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related disease. We present a case of cutaneous multicentric Castleman's disease mimicking IgG4-related disease. A 55-year-old Japanese woman developed erythematous and brown plaques on her back. Skin biopsy revealed regressive follicles with interfollicular plasmacytosis, and many plasma cells were positive for IgG4 (mean 263.67±79.19, range 214-355 per high power field). The IgG4-/IgG-positive cell ratios were 35.6%, 36.2%, and 48.4%, respectively, with an average of 40.6%, thus fulfilling the histological diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related disease. Furthermore, serum IgG4 level was significantly elevated (1490 mg/dl; normal range: 4.8-105 mg/dl). However, laboratory findings of anemia, hypoalbuminemia, polyclonal gammaglobulinemia, high C-reactive protein level, and elevated serum interleukin-6 level were consistent with hyper-IL-6 syndrome. Hence, the diagnosis of cutaneous multicentric Castleman's disease was made. In conclusion, IgG4-related disease cannot be differentiated from hyper-IL-6 syndromes on histology alone. Instead, laboratory analyses are necessary to distinguish between the two diseases.
Castleman Disease, Plasma Cells, Middle Aged, Skin Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases, Diagnosis, Differential, Treatment Outcome, Immunoglobulin G, Humans, Female, Glucocorticoids
Castleman Disease, Plasma Cells, Middle Aged, Skin Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases, Diagnosis, Differential, Treatment Outcome, Immunoglobulin G, Humans, Female, Glucocorticoids
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