Systemic Mastocytosis with Associated Hematological Neoplasms. Diagnostic features and unique response pattern to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and allo-bone marrow transplantation therapy

Systemic Mastocytosis is a clonal proliferation of mast cells; in a significant fraction of cases it is associated with another concurrent hematological neoplasm. Molecular analysis of KIT mutations and other associated genetic alterations suggest a common origin in the stem cell compartment. Mast cell infiltration patterns in bone marrow biopsy may be subtle in cases associated with t (8;21) AML. Here we report three cases of clonally related SM-AHN, two cases with SM-CMML and one case with SM- t (8;21) AML. We describe in detail the bone marrow infiltration pattern at diagnosis and during the course of treatment with allogeneic stem cell transplant and novel TK inhibitors, showing the unique dynamics of mast cell clearance after therapy.

Anaesthesia in a parturient with systemic mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is characterized by clonal expansion of mast cells, with abnormal accumulation in different organs. Perioperatively, numerous stimuli may lead to the release of vasoactive substances by mast cells. Parturients with systemic mastocytosis pose a challenge to the anesthesiologist: on one hand, the pain and stress of labor may lead to greater mast cell activation and, on the other, the administration of drugs that may possibly trigger the release of mast cell mediators. The authors describe a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman with systemic mastocytosis who requests labor analgesia. An epidural analgesia was performed after induction of labor, after considering anesthetic particularities. The epidural procedure, labor and delivery were uneventful. A review of systemic mastocytosis is provided and its anesthetic considerations are discussed.

Anesthetic considerations in a laboring woman with systemic mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is characterized by clonal expansion of mast cells, with abnormal accumulation in different organs. Perioperatively, numerous stimuli may lead to the release of vasoactive substances by mast cells. Parturients with systemic mastocytosis pose a challenge to the anesthesiologist: on one hand, the pain and stress of labor may lead to greater mast cell activation and, on the other, the administration of drugs that may possibly trigger the release of mast cell mediators. The authors describe a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman with systemic mastocytosis who requests labor analgesia. An epidural analgesia was performed after induction of labor, after considering anesthetic particularities. The epidural procedure, labor and delivery were uneventful. A review of systemic mastocytosis is provided and its anesthetic considerations are discussed.

Multiple vertebral fractures in young man as first manifestation of systemic mastocytosis

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a clonal disease of mast cell progenitors from the bone marrow. The clinical picture varies from asymptomatic forms (indolent) to a highly aggressive form with a very short (mast cell leukemia) survival. Between 28-34% of patients with SM are related to bone condition at the time of diagnosis and 16% have symptomatic fractures. The presentation of SM as clinical vertebral fractures in young men is rare. Here, we describe a case of established osteoporosis as the only manifestation of SM.

Update on Mastocytosis (Part 1): Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Diagnosis

Mastocytosis is a term used to describe a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by clonal proliferation of mast cells in various organs. The organ most often affected is the skin. Mastocytosis is a relatively rare disorder that affects both sexes equally. It can occur at any age, although it tends to appear in the first decade of life, or later, between the second and fifth decades. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of mastocytosis has improved greatly in recent years, with the discovery that somatic c-kit mutations and aberrant immunophenotypic features have an important role. The clinical manifestations of mastocytosis are diverse, and skin lesions are the key to diagnosis in most patients.

Update on Mastocytosis (Part 2): Categories, Prognosis, and Treatment

Mastocytosis is a term used to describe a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by clonal proliferation of mast cells in different organs. The organ most often affected is the skin. The World Health Organization classifies cutaneous mastocytosis into mastocytoma, maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis, and diffuse mastocytosis. The systemic variants in this classification are as follows: indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM), aggressive SM, SM with an associated clonal hematological non-mast cell lineage disease, mast cell leukemia, mast cell sarcoma, and extracutaneous mastocytoma. The two latest systemic variants are rare. Although the course of disease is unpredictable in children, lesions generally resolve by early adulthood. In adults, however, the disease tends to persist. The goal of treatment should be to control clinical manifestations caused by the release of mast cell mediators and, in more aggressive forms of the disease, to reduce mast cell burden.