Vol.23 No.5

Case Report

Spontaneous regression of IgG4-related dacryoadenitis

Authors

Satoru Kase1 , Teppei Yamamoto1 , Kan Ishijima1 , Mika Noda1 , Susumu Ishida1

  • Department of Ophthalmology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Nishi 7, Kita 15, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
Received:

25 May 2012

Accepted:

11 July 2012

Published online:

11 August 2012

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Abstract

This is the first report showing the clinical
course of a patient with bilateral IgG4-related dacryoadenitis,
which spontaneously regressed after excision of the
left lacrimal gland. A 65-year-old female had been aware
of bilateral eyelid swelling without pain for 5 years.
Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of
bilateral lacrimal gland. Laboratory tests showed high IgG4
concentrations, measuring 394 mg/dl. The biopsied specimen
of the left lacrimal gland revealed marked lymphoplasmacytic
infiltration with mild fibrosis. Marked IgG and
IgG4-positive plasma cells surrounded the lymphoid follicles.
Although the patient did not wish to undergo any
treatments, lacrimal gland lesions showed gradual remission.
This case highlights the potential of spontaneous
improvement in IgG4-related dacryoadenitis, indicating
that careful observation may be one of the therapeutic
options for such patients.

Key words

Dacryoadenitis, IgG4, Regression