Paratesticular Fibrous Pseudotumor: A New Entity of IgG4-Related Disease?
Yi-Che ChangChien1, Ilona Kovács2, Zoltán Hargitai2
1Department of Pathology, Kenézy Gyula County Hospital, Debrecen, Hungary ccwilly@hotmail.com.
Introduction:
Paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor (PFP) represents a benign tumor-like lesion confined to intrascrotal, paratesticular areas. Due to its rarity, only less than 200 cases have been reported to date, of which both pathogenesis and clinical management are little understood. Recently, PFP has been postulated to be among the spectrum of so-called immunoglobulin G4-related diseases (IgG4-RD). Here we describe a case of PFP focusing on the clinical, morphological features and the utility of immunohistochemistry to support the theory that PFP might be a potential member of IgG4-RD family.
Case Presentation:
A 41-year-old man presented with a slowly growing, right intrascrotal mass An MRI scan revealed a diffuse-proliferative nodular mass around the paratesticular area. The patient underwent right orchiectomy and a diffuse multinodular tumor with testicular compression was discovered without intratesticular infiltration. Postoperatively, the patient has been well for 2 years up to the recent follow up. On histological examination, the lesion consisted of hyalinized fibrotic tissue with storiform patterns. There were scattered germinal centers; lymphocytic vasculitis was also noted. The immunoglobulin G4 staining showed infiltration of positive plasma cells with highest count 52 per high-power field, whereas the mixed Kappa and Lambda immunoglobulin light chain expression indicated the polyclonality of the plasma cell population.
Conclusions:
The morphological and immunohistochemical features in our case support the theory of PFP being part of IgG4-RD. Familiarity to this tumor-like lesion is crucial, since it may respond to corticosteroid therapy, which may save patients from more aggressive surgical procedures.
Insights
Paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor (PFP) is a rare benign lesion. This case suggests PFP may be linked to immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), potentially responding to steroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor (PFP) is a rare benign intrascrotal lesion.
- Its pathogenesis and management are poorly understood.
- Recent theories suggest PFP may be part of the immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) spectrum.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male presented with a slowly growing intrascrotal mass.
- MRI revealed a paratesticular nodular mass; orchiectomy showed a diffuse multinodular tumor without intratesticular invasion.
- Histology revealed hyalinized fibrotic tissue with storiform patterns, germinal centers, and lymphocytic vasculitis.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry showed significant immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive plasma cell infiltration (52 per high-power field).
- Mixed Kappa and Lambda light chain expression indicated polyclonal plasma cells.
- Morphological and immunohistochemical findings support PFP as a potential IgG4-RD.
Implications:
- Recognizing PFP as part of IgG4-RD is crucial for appropriate management.
- Corticosteroid therapy may be effective, potentially avoiding extensive surgery.
- This case contributes to understanding PFP within the IgG4-RD framework.
Related Concept Videos
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Fibrous Proteins
Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...


