Immunoglobulin G4-related disease of the testis masquerading as a testicular mass: a clinical dilemma

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Dec 15;17(12):e262636. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-262636.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a rare immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disorder with many clinical manifestations. Most commonly affected sites include the pancreas, salivary glands, kidneys, lachrymal glands, biliary tree, aorta and retroperitoneum; testicular involvement is a rare entity. This report describes a man in his 20s who presented with a persistent painless mass in his left testis. After a thorough examination he underwent orchiectomy to rule out any malignancy of the testis. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were suggestive of IgG4-related disease. Systemic evaluation showed normal IgG4 levels with no other site of involvement. This is a unique presentation of this rare diagnosis and remains a diagnostic challenge which is difficult to distinguish from the more common testicular malignancy. We conducted a review of the current literature regarding IgG4-related disease to complement the case discussion and provide a comprehensive review regarding this diagnostic dilemma.

Keywords: Pathology; Rheumatology; Urology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease* / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy*
  • Testicular Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Testicular Diseases* / pathology
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Testis* / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G