Frontiers in Immunology (Jan 2025)

Castleman disease misdiagnosed as immunoglobulin G4-related disease: a case report

  • Na Li,
  • LiFen Xu,
  • Xiaoxia Liu,
  • Pengjia Wu,
  • Jun Liu,
  • Jiashun Zeng

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1532627
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16

Abstract

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Castleman disease (CD) and immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) are rare systemic immune-mediated disorders that share overlapping clinical features, posing significant challenges in differential diagnosis. Here, we present a case of generalized lymphadenopathy initially misdiagnosed as IgG4-RD, which demonstrated a poor response to hormonal therapy. Subsequent pathological biopsy and immunohistochemical analysis ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of CD. This case underscores the limitations of relying solely on serum IgG4 levels as a diagnostic marker to distinguish CD from IgG4-RD. Comprehensive evaluation, including clinical presentation, organ involvement, serological and pathological findings, as well as therapeutic response, is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely management.

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