Mastocytosis and systemic sclerosis: a clinical association. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bagnato, Gianluca; Roberts, William; Sciortino, Davide; Sangari, Donatella; Cirmi, Santa; Ravenell, Roneka; Navarra, Michele; Bagnato, Gianfilippo; Gangemi, Sebastiano
• Is Part Of: Clinical and molecular allergy. Volume 14:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Mastocytosis -- Systemic sclerosis -- Mastcells -- Fibrosis; Allergy -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Molecular aspects -- Periodicals; 616.97005
• DOI: 10.1186/s12948-016-0050-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7961

Abstract

Abstract Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular alterations and autoimmune activation leading to widespread organ fibrosis. At the early stage of disease when organ involvement and extent of disease are emerging, mast cells may have some role, as implied by both symptoms and histologic evidence. Case presentation A female patient diagnosed with cutaneous mastocytosis experienced the onset of systemic sclerosis after 15 years followed by the switch of mastocytosis to the systemic phenotype. A literature review on the evidences related to mast-cells activation in systemic sclerosis is presented below. Conclusions For clinicians, more attention must be paid to the potential association between systemic sclerosis and cancer. This case suggests that a proliferative disease in the mast cell compartment—though representing a rare association—may not be completely unexpected in SSc and perhaps excess mast cell activity can serve a pathogenic role in promoting fibrotic disease.