Case Report
Copyright ©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2008; 14(45): 7005-7008
Published online Dec 7, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.7005
Gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic mastocytosis
Jason K Lee, Scott J Whittaker, Robert A Enns, Peter Zetler
Jason K Lee, Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6B1K3, Canada
Scott J Whittaker, Staff Gastroenterologist, St. Paul’s Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6B1K3, Canada
Robert A Enns, Staff Gastroenterologist, St. Paul’s Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6B1K3, Canada
Peter Zetler, Staff Pathologist, St. Paul’s Hospital, Division of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6B1K3 Canada
Correspondence to: Jason K Lee, Resident, Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2304-1199 Seymour St, Vancouver V6B1K3, Canada. jasonk.lee@utoronto.ca
Telephone: +1-604-7715354
Received: July 19, 2007
Revised: November 11, 2007
Accepted: November 18, 2007
Published online: December 7, 2008
Abstract

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare disease with abnormal proliferation and infiltration of mast cells in the skin, bone marrow, and viscera including the mucosal surfaces of the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms occur in 14%-85% of patients with systemic mastocytosis. The GI symptoms may be as frequent as the better known pruritus, urticaria pigmentosa, and flushing. In fact most recent studies show that the GI symptoms are especially important clinically due to the severity and chronicity of the effects that they produce. GI symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. A case of predominantly GI systemic mastocytosis with unique endoscopic images and pathologic confirmation is herein presented, as well as a current review of the GI manifestations of this disease including endoscopic appearances. Issues such as treatment and prognosis will not be discussed for the purposes of this paper.

Keywords: Systemic mastocytosis; Idiopathic diarrhea; Gastrointestinal manifestations