[Current concepts and treatment advances in systemic mastocytosis].

Summary

Mast cell disorders are defined by an abnormal accumulation of tissue mast cells in one or more organ systems. Clinical symptoms in mastocytosis result from mast cells derived mediators and, less frequently, from destructive infiltration of mast cells. Systemic mastocytosis is regressive among children, whereas the disease is persistent among adults. A clonal haematological non-mast cell lineage disease can be associated. The clinical course in these patients is variable ranging from asymptomatic for years to highly aggressive and rapidly devastating. Until recently, the only treatment of this incurable disease was symptomatic.