IgG4-type Multiple Myeloma with Diffuse Enlargement of the Thyroid Requiring Differentiation from IgG4-related Disease

Intern Med. 2020;59(5):711-714. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3839-19.

Abstract

We herein report a 65-year-old man with elevated serum IgG4 levels, enlarged thyroid, and renal dysfunction, mimicking IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). The definitive diagnosis of IgG4-RD was not established because a tissue biopsy revealed no IgG4-positive cell infiltration or fibrosis. The presence of an M peak in the β fraction, Bence Jones protein in urine, and progressive anemia suggested multiple myeloma (MM). The κ/λ ratio was >100, tumor plasma cells were present at >20% in bone marrow, and immunostaining revealed IgG4-positive plasma cells; therefore, he was diagnosed with IgG4-type MM. Patients with elevated IgG4 levels with no significant mass lesions should undergo systemic examinations to exclude malignancy.

Keywords: IgG4-related disease; IgG4-type multiple myeloma; elevated serum IgG4 level.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / blood
  • Hypertrophy / diagnosis
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Plasma Cells / pathology
  • Thyroid Gland / physiology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G