IgG4 cholangiopathy: current concept, diagnosis, and pathogenesis

IgG4 related cholangiopathy, a distinctive type of cholangitis of unknown origin, is characterized by increased serum levels of IgG4, massive infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells with storiform fibrosis and/or obliterative phlebitis in the thickened bile duct wall, and good response to steroids. Patients with IgG4-cholangiopathy are frequently associated with autoimmune pancreatitis; IgG4-cholangiopathy is recognized as a biliary manifestation of IgG4-related disease. This condition can be diagnosed by a combination of imaging, serology, histopathology, and steroid responsiveness; however, cholangiographic features are often difficult to differentiate from primary sclerosing cholangitis, pancreatic cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma. The Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis established in 2012 are useful in the diagnosis of IgG4-cholangiopathy. Although the precise pathogenic mechanism remains unclear, the development of IgG4-cholangiopathy may involve: susceptible genetic factors, abnormal innate and acquired immunity, decreased naïve regulatory T cells, and specific B cell responses. Further studies on genetic backgrounds, disease specific antigens, and the role of IgG4 are necessary to clarify the pathogenesis.