IgG4-RD can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, most patients are men between 50 to 70 years old.
50 to 70
years old
ALL
ages, genders, & backgrounds
The exact cause of IgG4-RD is unknown, but it is clear that it involves an overactive immune system.
B cells, for example, are supposed to help protect your body from disease, but in the case of IgG4-RD, they interact with other cells of the immune system which leads to inflammation and scarring in different organs, such as the pancreas, liver, and kidneys.
Because IgG4-RD is rare and has only recently been discovered as a diagnosis, many doctors haven’t heard about it. Since symptoms can vary from one person to another, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. IgG4-RD can also develop without symptoms.
SYMPTOMS CAN
VARY DEPENDING ON
WHICH
ORGANS ARE
AFFECTED.
VARIOUS SYMPTOMS THAT PEOPLE CAN EXPERIENCE INCLUDE PAIN, SWELLING, DRY EYES, AND/OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH, AMONG OTHERS.
Doctors diagnose IgG4-RD by checking for high levels of certain antibodies in the blood and by looking for signs of tissue damage through imaging tests like MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans. They may also take biopsies. A biopsy is a medical test where doctors take a sample of tissues and send it to a lab for testing.
Patients with IgG4-RD may experience many different symptoms that can look like other conditions. In some cases, the disease can even be mistaken for cancer. Unfortunately, this means misdiagnosis is common. Incorrect diagnosis may lead to unnecessary treatments or surgeries.
MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; CT, computed tomography.
Although IgG4-RD is a rare, lifelong disease, here's the good news:
TREATMENT FOR IgG4-RD CAN HELP
REDUCE THE RISK
OF DISEASE FLARE