Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Sclerosing Aortic and Coronary Arteritis Due to IgG4-Related Disease
Mikael Barbu1, Ulf Lindström2, Claes Nordborg3
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
A 55-year-old woman
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common condition often treated with bypass surgery.
- Atherosclerosis is the typical cause of CAD.
Observation:
- Intraoperative findings revealed unexpected diffuse thickening of the aorta and coronary arteries.
- This suggested a cause beyond typical coronary artery atherosclerosis.
Findings:
- Histopathology and clinical evaluation confirmed IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).
- IgG4-RD is a newly identified fibroinflammatory condition affecting multiple organs.
Implications:
- IgG4-RD can mimic other conditions, leading to underdiagnosis.
- Increased awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of IgG4-RD.
Abstract:
We present the case of a 55-year-old woman admitted for a coronary artery bypass operation because of three-vessel coronary artery disease based on angiographic findings and clinical symptoms. Unexpected intraoperative findings with diffuse tissue thickening of the ascending aorta and coronary arteries indicated an alternate pathogenesis rather than coronary artery atherosclerosis. Histopathologic findings and clinical evaluation could confirm IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). IgG4-RD is a newly recognized fibroinflammatory condition that can present in a variety of organs and is characterized by common histopathologic features. Low disease awareness among clinicians makes this condition underdiagnosed.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...

