IgG4-related disease is a novel clinical entity which can affect single or multiple organs. IgG4-related sialadenitis is referred to the salivary gland involvement of IgG4-related disease, with or without other organ involvement. IgG4-related sialadenitis is characterized by painless swelling or enlargement of salivary glands, high serum IgG4 level, abundant IgG4+ plasma cells infiltration with fibrosis histologically, and good response to glucocorticoids. With review of related articles, highlight and provide an overview of the most recent and focused findings and concepts of this disease, including the most significant pathogenic process based on kinds of immunocytes, cytokines, as well as participation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the clinical value of elevated serum IgG4 concentration and pathological role of infiltrated IgG4+ plasma cells, the potential relationship with salivary gland malignant tumor, the applying and usefulness of positron emission tomography-CT, the diagnostic utility of lip biopsy, treatment, prognosis, and also future perspectives.

Sialadenitis; Salivary glands; Immunoglobulin G