Autoimmune esophagitis: IgG4-related tumors of the esophagus

We present a case of a 23-year-old gentleman who presented with dysphagia, weight loss, and recurrent esophageal strictures requiring multiple dilatations. An endoscopic ultrasound with esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a mass present in the distal esophagus. Fine needle aspiration suggested that the mass in the lower esophagus resembled a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. After surgical resection, final pathologic analysis revealed that the tumor was comprised of benign-appearing fibroinflammatory cells with an increase and predominance of IgG4-positive plasma cells. The microscopic appearance was consistent with a benign condition as a result of an IgG4-related process. He did not, however, have any other symptoms indicative of systemic autoimmune disease or connective tissue disorders. We present the pre-operative imaging, operative management, pathologic diagnosis, and literature review of this rare condition and the first known report of autoimmune esophagitis as part of the IgG4 spectrum of diseases.