Systemic mastocytosis presenting with severe spinal osteopenia and multiple compression fractures

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by mast cell infiltration of organs.
• Mast cell mediators can stimulate bone resorption, potentially causing osteoporosis.
• Osteoporosis is a condition of reduced bone density, increasing fracture risk.

Observation:

• A 28-year-old woman presented with thoracolumbar kyphosis and osteopenia.
• She experienced multiple pathological compression fractures.
• Mastocytosis was diagnosed as the underlying cause.

Findings:

• The patient's kyphosis was surgically corrected with anterior interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation.
• Systemic mastocytosis was identified as the cause of her generalized osteopenia and fractures.
• This case highlights the skeletal manifestations of systemic mastocytosis.

Implications:

• Mastocytosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical osteoporosis.
• Early diagnosis and management of systemic mastocytosis are crucial to prevent skeletal complications.
• Further research into the bone-resorbing mechanisms in mastocytosis is warranted.