Case Report: IgG4-related kidney disease complicated by interstitial pneumonia

Abstract

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by tubulointerstitial nephritis with IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration. We report the case of an 84-year-old male who presented with a history of dyspnea on exertion and cough. The lymph nodes were palpated in the axilla. Urinalysis revealed mild proteinuria and increased levels of NAG and β2-microglobulin. Blood tests showed hyperglobulinemia with a marked elevation of serum IgG4 levels. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral ground-glass and reticular opacities in the lower and peripheral portions of the lungs. Ga-67 scintigraphy showed kidney uptake. The patient was diagnosed with IgG4-related kidney disease based on the renal pathology indicative of typical tubulointerstitial nephritis with extensive IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration. The patient was treated with prednisolone and showed a prompt response in his clinical condition. The patient achieved normalization of serum IgG4 levels 6 months after the initiation of treatment. Although IgG4-related disease is thought to be potentially associated with organ fibrosis, there are few reports on combination of interstitial pneumonia and IgG4-related kidney disease. Our case report presents a possible pattern of IgG4-related disease.