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Published on: December 15, 2011
Gastroesophageal reflux disease accompanying urticaria pigmentosa
Magdalena Reich1, Adam Reich, Marta Rzeszutko
1Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland.
Insights
This case study highlights a link between mastocytosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a young child. Treatment targeting mastocytosis improved both skin and reflux symptoms, suggesting a common underlying cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Limited case reports suggest a potential association between mastocytosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Urticaria pigmentosa, a form of cutaneous mastocytosis, can present with gastrointestinal manifestations.
Observation:
- A 17-month-old boy with urticaria pigmentosa experienced worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, initially misdiagnosed as cow's milk allergy.
- Clinical signs included skin lesions, pruritus, and a positive Darier's sign, leading to a diagnosis of cutaneous mastocytosis.
Findings:
- 24-hour pH-metry confirmed increased acidic refluxes, and duodenal biopsy revealed numerous mast cells.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms were attributed to mastocytosis, with significant improvement noted after treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering mastocytosis in pediatric patients with refractory GERD and skin manifestations.
- Effective management of mastocytosis may alleviate associated gastrointestinal symptoms, improving quality of life.
Abstract:
A few case reports have only been published to date, which show the possible link between mastocytosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Here, we present a 17-month-old boy with urticaria pigmentosa who also suffered from GERD. First skin lesions accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms (regurgitations, appetite worsening) were noticed at the age of four months. At that time, they were misdiagnosed as symptoms of cow's milk allergy. Despite the cow's milk-free diet, the skin and gastrointestinal symptoms slowly worsened and the patient was referred to us for further diagnostics several months later. Based on the clinical presentation of skin lesions, presence of pruritus and positive Darier's sign, cutaneous mastocytosis was diagnosed; 24-hour pH-metry revealed an increased number of acidic refluxes and biopsy of duodenal mucosa showed numerous mast cells. Taking into account these findings, the gastrointestinal symptoms were supposed to be a manifestation of mastocytosis. Treatment with sodium cromoglycate, cetirizine, ranitidine and probiotics resulted in pruritus alleviation, improvement of appetite and sleeping as well as increase of body weight.
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