Anaphylactic risk due to systemic mastocytosis: Perioperative management in cardiac surgery

Mastocytosis is a disease characterised by an abnormal proliferation of mast cells. The degranulation of mast cells can be triggered by chemical, physical, and psychological factors, and in severe cases may be accompanied by cardiovascular alterations and shock. Tryptase concentrations greater than 20ug/L may be associated with an increased risk of mastocyte degranulation. The case is presented on a 71 year-old man that underwent an aortic valve replacement and aortic-coronary bypass surgery. He had an indolent systemic mastocytosis and a history of histaminergic crises, with a baseline value of tryptase prior to surgery of 58.1ug/L.