IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma

A man in his 70s presented to the emergency department with painless obstructive jaundice. Initial blood test results show a predominantly cholestatic picture with elevated tumour markers, and imaging findings are concerning for a pancreatic head neoplasm or cholangiocarcinoma with involvement of the entire common bile duct. The patient underwent staging laparoscopy and biopsies including peritoneal washing, but did not identify any features of malignancy. Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin G4 testing were subsequently tested and shown to be elevated. The provisional diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis was made, and steroid treatment was empirically started. Treatment with steroids was successful, with complete resolution of symptoms and abnormal imaging findings and near complete resolution of liver function test results after 1 month.