Comorbid diseases of IgG4-related sialadenitis in the head and neck region

Objectives/Hypothesis To further recognize the comorbid diseases of immunoglobulin G4‐related sialadenitis (IgG4‐RS) in the head and neck region and to observe the response of these conditions to immunomodulatory therapy. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods The symptoms of comorbid diseases and medical histories in 51 patients (24 men, 27 women; median age, 55 years) diagnosed with IgG4‐RS were analyzed. Thirty‐six patients received immunomodulatory therapy and were followed up for 10.4 ± 5.9 months. Computed tomography (CT) examination was performed before and after therapy. Results Rhinosinusitis occurred in 58.8% patients, and manifested with the symptoms of nasal obstruction, nasal xerosis, and hyposmia. In addition, 43.1% patients had allergic rhinitis. Lymphadenopathy was identified in 74.5% patients. Lacrimal gland swelling occurred in 78.4% patients. Extraocular muscles, otologic organs, skin and superficial soft tissue, and cranial nerves were also involved. All of the lesions were relieved after immunomodulatory therapy. The Lund‐Mackay scores decreased (9.6 ± 5.6 to 1.0 ± 2.2) according to CT analyses (P