IgG4-associated diseases in the ENT area – a case report

IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) represent a group of rare systemic inflammatory conditions of unknown etiology and uncertain pathogenesis. Clinically, a wide range of symptoms can be observed in the ears, nose, and throat (ENT) area, depending on the tissue affected by the disease. Diagnosis is challenging relying on clinical presentation, histopathological evidence, radiological findings, and laboratory tests. Therapy typically involves long-term corticosteroid treatment often combined with immunosuppressive therapy. In our work, we present a case study of a patient with an extensive parapharyngeal space tumor, initially clinically and radiologically suggestive of malignancy, subsequently confirmed as an IgG4-related disease. The following article describes the clinical symptomatology of IgG4-RD in ENT and outlines the diagnostic approach to the presented case. Finally, the findings are summarized, emphasizing the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration for proper differential diagnosis. Keywords: IgG4-related diseases – IgG4-RD – parapharyngeal space tumor