4a) and the resected specimens from all three patients. Malignant cells were not observed in any of the patients. Full spectrum of LPSP-like histology was not observed in any of the resected specimens from patients with PSC and CCC. The significant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells (≥10 cells/HPF)

was observed with endobiliary biopsy in nine of 13 patients, and liver biopsy in two of three patients (Figs 3b,4b). Surgical resections of the liver were performed in three of five patients who showed few IgG4-positive plasma cells Panobinostat in vitro in their biopsy specimens. With the resected specimens, a histological diagnosis of ISC with a significant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells could be finally documented in all three patients. The infiltration of IgG4-postive cells was not observed in any patient with disease controls;

none in 13 patients with PSC, and 13 patients with hilar CCC. After induction therapy with 30–40 mg prednisolone daily for 1–2 months, all 13 patients who were treated for biliary strictures showed marked improvement/resolution of MAPK Inhibitor Library biliary strictures upon follow-up cholangiogram (Fig. 5). The remaining three patients who had undergone liver resection also showed steroid responsiveness in the extrabiliary involvement of organs typical of IgG4-related autoimmune disease. Steroids were then gradually tapered over 2–3 months to a maintenance dose (5–7.5 mg) for an average of 9 months. Endobiliary stents and a percutaneous drainage catheter for biliary drainage were placed in seven patients and one patient, respectively. During the median follow-up period of 22 months

(range: 3–55 months) after complete steroid withdrawal, relapse was observed in one patient (case 1). Strictures at the hilum and masses in the renal pelvis occurred 12 months after the cessation of steroid therapy. The patient responded well to another round of steroid therapy and was stable at 27 months’ follow up. A novel concept of IgG4-related systemic disease was recently proposed by Kamisawa,7 and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration could be demonstrated in various organs, as well as the pancreas.8 In addition to the pancreas, the bile duct was generally the most commonly involved organ in IgG4-related systemic disease. Although clinical presentation and biliary imaging findings of ISC were not very distinct from those of PSC or hilar CCC, the treatment 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 and prognosis of ISC were much different compared to PSC or CCC. ISC shows dramatic response to steroid therapy and is a medically-treatable disease. In contrast, PSC is refractory to steroids, and ultimately leads to liver failure and the consequent necessity of liver transplantation, while surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for CCC. Although the prognosis of ISC is generally favorable compared to PSC, the delayed diagnosis of ISC might allow it to progress to an irreversible stage, refractory to steroids and ultimately biliary cirrhosis.