IgG4-associated cholangiopathy-mimicking Klatskin Tumor – Is surgery justfied in patients with normal IgG4 serum concentrations? A case report

IgG4-associated cholangiopathy is one manifestation of a recently recognized IgG4-associated disease entity characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels, IgG4 lymphoplasmatic infiltration, and biliary duct strictures thus mimicking cholangiocarcinoma of the hilar bifurcation (Klatskin's tumor). The differentiation between benign strictures of the bile duct bifurcation and Klatskin's tumor is clinically challenging, but of critical importance because of the fundamentally different therapeutic approaches. We report on a 72-year-old male patient presenting with significant jaundice and abdominal discomfort. Imaging…