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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Isolation of Peritoneum-derived Mast Cells and Their Functional Characterization with Ca2+-imaging and Degranulation Assays
Published on: July 4, 2018
Secondary anetoderma associated with mastocytosis.
Dimitris Kalogeromitros1, Stamatis Gregoriou, Michalis Makris
1Department of Allergy, Attikon Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
This study presents a rare case of urticaria pigmentosa (UP) associated with multiple cutaneous anetodermic lesions since infancy. The findings suggest a potential link between mast cell disorders and anetoderma.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mastocytosis is a group of disorders involving mast cell proliferation.
- Urticaria pigmentosa (UP) is the most common form, presenting as skin maculopapules.
- Anetoderma is characterized by degeneration of dermal elastic and collagen fibers.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old male presented with lifelong anetodermic lesions at urticaria pigmentosa sites.
- Histochemistry confirmed urticaria pigmentosa.
- The patient exhibited elevated urinary histamine but normal serum tryptase.
Findings:
- UP biopsy revealed perivascular mast cell infiltration and fragmented elastic fibers.
- No epidermal involvement or abnormalities in long bones/blood work were noted.
- Fragmented elastic fibers in the papillary dermis were observed.
Implications:
- This rare association of urticaria pigmentosa and anetoderma prompts further investigation into the pathogenesis of anetoderma.
- Understanding the interplay between mast cells and dermal connective tissue is crucial.
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