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Increased plasma histamine level in eosinophilic fasciitis
V Falanga1, N A Soter, F A Kerdel
1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami (Fla) School of Medicine.
Archives of Dermatology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Mast cells and high histamine levels may contribute to eosinophilic fasciitis early in the disease. Treatment with corticosteroids and histamine antagonists improved symptoms and normalized histamine levels.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare connective tissue disorder.
- The exact pathogenesis of eosinophilic fasciitis remains unclear.
- Mast cells and histamine are implicated in inflammatory processes.
Observation:
- A patient with early-onset eosinophilic fasciitis presented with significant mast cell infiltration in the subcutis and fascia.
- This patient exhibited a 19-fold increase in plasma histamine levels.
- Two patients with later-onset eosinophilic fasciitis lacked these findings.
Findings:
- Early-stage eosinophilic fasciitis involves mast cell infiltration and elevated plasma histamine.
- Systemic corticosteroids and histamine2-receptor antagonists led to clinical improvement and normalization of histamine levels in the affected patient.
- The absence of these markers in later-stage patients suggests a potential role in early disease pathogenesis.
Implications:
- Mast cells may play a pathogenic role in the early stages of eosinophilic fasciitis.
- Targeting mast cell degranulation or histamine pathways could be a therapeutic strategy for early eosinophilic fasciitis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of mast cells in eosinophilic fasciitis.