-
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Mastocytosis is characterized by an accumulation of clonal mast cells (MCs) in tissues such as the skin. Skin lesions in mastocytosis may be clinically subtle or... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mastocytosis is characterized by an accumulation of clonal mast cells (MCs) in tissues such as the skin. Skin lesions in mastocytosis may be clinically subtle or heterogeneous, and giving the correct diagnosis can be difficult.
METHODS
This study compiles personal experiences together with relevant literature, discussing possible obstacles encountered in diagnosing skin involvement in mastocytosis and cutaneous mastocytosis (CM).
RESULTS
The nomenclature of the term "CM" is ambiguous. The WHO classification defines CM as mastocytosis solely present in the skin. However, the term is also used as a morphological description, e.g., in maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (MPCM). This is often seen in systemic, as well as cutaneous, mastocytosis. Typical CM manifestations (MPCM), including mastocytoma or diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM), all share a positive Darier's sign, and can thus be clinically recognized. Nevertheless, distinguishing monomorphic versus polymorphic MPCM may be challenging, even for experienced dermatologists. Less typical clinical presentations, such as MPCM with telangiectatic erythemas (formerly called telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans), confluent, nodular or xanthelasmoid variants may require a skin biopsy for histopathological confirmation. Because MC numbers in CM have a large overlap to those in healthy and inflamed skin, detailed histopathological criteria to diagnose mastocytosis in MPCM are needed and have been proposed. D816V mutational analysis in tissue is helpful for confirming the diagnosis. Biomarkers allow the prediction of the course of CM into regression or evolution of the disease. Further diagnostic measures should screen for concomitant diseases, such as malignant melanoma, and for systemic involvement.
CONCLUSIONS
Whereas in typical cases the diagnosis of CM may be uncomplicated, less typical manifestations may require specific investigations for making the diagnosis and predicting its course.
PubMed: 38248039
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020161 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Pediatric mastocytosis is mostly a cutaneous disease classified as cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), which is characterized by mast cell (MCs) accumulation in the skin and... (Review)
Review
Pediatric mastocytosis is mostly a cutaneous disease classified as cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), which is characterized by mast cell (MCs) accumulation in the skin and the absence of extracutaneous involvement. Based on the morphology of skin lesions, CM can be divided into three major forms: maculopapular CM (MPCM), diffuse CM (DCM) and mastocytoma of the skin. A positive Darier's sign is pathognomonic for all forms of CM. MPCM is the most common form, presenting with red-brown macules or slightly raised papules. Mastocytoma is characterized by solitary or a maximum of three nodular or plaque lesions. DCM is a rare, severe form which presents as erythroderma, pachydermia and blistering in the infantile period of the disease. CM is associated with MC mediator-related symptoms, most commonly including pruritus, flushing, blistering, diarrhea and cramping. Anaphylactic shock occurs rarely, mainly in patients with extensive skin lesions and a significantly elevated serum tryptase level. Childhood-onset MPCM and mastocytoma are usually benign diseases, associated with a tendency for spontaneous regression, while DCM is associated with severe mediator-related symptoms, an increased risk of anaphylaxis and, in some cases, underlying systemic mastocytosis (SM). In contrast to adults, SM is a rare finding in children, most commonly presenting as indolent SM. However, advanced SM sporadically occurs.
PubMed: 38066824
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13233583 -
Cureus Dec 2023Congenital cutaneous mastocytoma is an uncommon disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation of mast cells. It typically presents as a single, small,...
Congenital cutaneous mastocytoma is an uncommon disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation of mast cells. It typically presents as a single, small, yellowish-brown plaque, and its diagnosis is generally facilitated by distinctive clinical features, including a positive Darrier's sign. This report presents a case of an unusually large, solitary congenital mastocytoma encompassing nearly the entire circumference of the calf, observed in a newborn boy of Bangladeshi origin. Measuring 13x6 cm, the lesion formed large bullae and subsequent erosions. The perplexing clinical appearance prompted a skin biopsy, revealing monomorphic CD117 (c-KIT) positive infiltration without significant cell pleomorphism, confirming the diagnosis of cutaneous mastocytoma. The patient underwent management with potent and very potent topical steroids, oral antihistamines, and non-adhesive dressings, remaining under long-term follow-up with secondary care dermatology. In reporting this case, our objective is to augment the existing scientific literature by providing additional evidence that cutaneous mastocytomas can display a spectrum of clinical presentations, as illustrated in this case.
PubMed: 38205464
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50306 -
Cureus Jan 2024Mastocytosis is a disease of the mast cells caused by an increase in the number of mast cells due to abnormal proliferation. The disease is associated with a mutation in...
Mastocytosis is a disease of the mast cells caused by an increase in the number of mast cells due to abnormal proliferation. The disease is associated with a mutation in the gene, which is a key factor in the development of mast cells. Mastocytosis is classified into two main groups, namely, cutaneous and systemic mastocytosis, based on the site of mast cell accumulation. In cutaneous mastocytosis, the cells purely gather in the skin. In contrast, systemic mastocytosis must affect an internal organ, including the bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and/or the gastrointestinal tract with or without skin involvement. Cutaneous mastocytosis has four distinct presentations, including urticaria pigmentosa, cutaneous mastocytoma, diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis, and telangiectasia macularis eruptive perstans listed from most to least common. This case report presents a rare bullous variant of diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis.
PubMed: 38313964
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51660