IgG4-related sclerosing thyroiditis (Riedel-Struma): a review of clinicopathological features and management
Agata Czarnywojtek, Krzysztof Pietrończyk, Lester D.�R. Thompson, Asterios Triantafyllou, Ewa Florek, Nadia Sawicka‐Gutaj, Marek Ruchała, Maria Teresa Płazińska, Iain J. Nixon, Ashok R. Shaha, Mark Zafereo, Gregory W. Randolph, Peter Angelos, Abir Al Ghuzlan, Abbas Agaimy, Alfio Ferlito
Abstract
Abstract We present a thorough review of the literature on Riedel thyroiditis (RT) with emphasis on aetiology, diagnosis and management, using the PubMed, Sinomed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Although the exact aetiology of RT remains obscure, the histopathological features are consistent with a localized form of IgG 4 -related systemic disease (IgG 4 -RSD). Nevertheless, IgG4-RSD as a systemic fibroinflammatory disorder per se rarely affects the thyroid in the context of multiorgan manifestations. The initial diagnosis of RT is based on clinical history and imaging, but confirmation by histopathological examination is mandatory. In contrast to the historical surgical approach, glucocorticosteroid therapy is currently considered first line therapy, in line with the RT currently being viewed as a manifestation of, or analogous to, IgG4-RSD. For disease relapse, immunomodulatory agents (azathioprine, methotrexate, rituximab) can be used.