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What is IgG4-Related Disease?

IgG4-related disease is a rare, immune-mediated condition that causes chronic inflammation and fibrosis in multiple organs, including the pancreas, salivary and lacrimal glands, kidneys, lungs, and retroperitoneum. It can mimic infections, cancers, and other autoimmune disorders, making diagnosis challenging. Without treatment, it may lead to severe organ damage or failure. Fortunately, targeted biologic infusion therapies offered at Cohen Medical Centers can control inflammation, prevent relapses, and, in many cases, reverse damage.

Common Signs & Symptoms of IgG4-Related Disease:

  • Painless, symmetrical swelling of salivary or lacrimal glands
  • Unexplained pancreatic masses or bile duct narrowing
  • Chronic retroperitoneal fibrosis or ureteral obstruction
  • Kidney dysfunction with abnormal imaging findings
  • Interstitial lung disease or lung nodules
  • Eye swelling, orbital pseudotumor, or bulging (proptosis)
  • Elevated IgG4 levels or biopsy showing storiform fibrosis

IgG4-Related Disease Diagnosis & Treatment at
Cohen Medical Centers

During your initial consultation, your provider at Cohen Medical Centers, led by Dr. Cohen, will take a thorough medical history, review past test results, and perform a detailed physical exam. We’ll coordinate advanced imaging, laboratory testing for IgG4 levels, and biopsy review when necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Based on your results, we curate a personalized treatment plan to target inflammation, protect organ function, and prevent disease progression, all while closely monitoring your response over time.

Based on the results of your diagnostic tests, we may recommend the following:

  • RITUXAN infusions to target CD20+ B cells and reduce inflammation
  • UPLIZNA infusions to target CD19+ B cells for severe, relapsing, or refractory IgG4-RD
  • Coordinated specialty care to manage multi-organ involvement with other physicians
  • Ongoing lab monitoring to track IgG4 levels and prevent future flares
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IgG4-Related Disease FAQs

Are There Side Effects to Infusion Therapy?

Like all medical treatments, biologic infusions can have side effects. You might experience mild reactions like fatigue, headache, or temporary changes in blood pressure. At Cohen Medical Centers, infusions are performed under direct physician supervision with real-time monitoring, so any reactions can be managed immediately.

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Why Choose Cohen Medical Centers for
IgG4-RD Management?

Cohen Medical Centers is a leader in diagnosing and treating autoimmune conditions like IgG4-related disease. Under the direction of Dr. Shariar Cohen, our dual board-certified rheumatologist with extensive infusion therapy expertise, we provide diagnostics, advanced biologic treatments, and compassionate, physician-supervised care. Our infusion center offers rapid access to therapies like RITUXAN and UPLIZNA to ensure optimal safety and outcomes. Schedule your consultation today to work toward long-term IgG4-RD remission.

Contact Our
Office Today

CONTACT US(805) 449-8781
Contact Us 805.449.8781