Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
IgG4-related pleuritis with chylothorax
Eisuke Kato1, Noboru Takayanagi, Takashi Ishiguro
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan.
Insights
Immunoglobulin G4-related pleuritis is rare, and this case highlights a unique presentation of chylothorax. Immunoglobulin G4-related disease should be considered in patients with unexplained chylothorax.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multisystem fibroinflammatory condition.
- IgG4-related pleuritis is an uncommon manifestation of IgG4-RD, with only six previously reported cases.
- Chylothorax is a rare complication of pleural disease.
Abstract:
Presently, 6 cases of IgG4-related pleuritis have been reported. We encountered a patient who developed chylothorax due to IgG4-related disease. To our knowledge, such patients have not been reported. This patient developed right-sided chylothorax and left-sided non-chylothorax lymphocyte-predominant pleuritis. Elevated serum and pleural IgG4 concentrations and histopathological analysis of pleural biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of IgG4-related pleuritis. Left-sided pleuritis improved with corticosteroid therapy, but right-sided chylothorax persists. IgG4-related disease can be one cause of chylothorax.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Cholecystitis
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
