Ocular and palpebral manifestations of mastocytosis: A prospective single-center study

Ocular discomfort has been described as a frequent symptom in patients with mastocytosis, a rare disease resulting from accumulation of mast cells in organs.

This study aims to assess the frequency and describe the nature of ocular and palpebral abnormalities in mastocytosis patients.

We conducted a prospective, single-center study in adult mastocytosis patients, who were systematically examined by a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist with determination of tear cytokine levels.

Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 60.7 ± 16.4 years were included. Nine patients presented with isolated cutaneous mastocytosis and 12 with indolent systemic mastocytosis. Seventeen patients (81.0%) presented with one or more eye symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms were ocular itching (n = 12), dryness (n = 12), and excessive tearing (n = 9). Based on their Ocular Surface Disease Index scores, 11 patients (52.4%) were classified as having moderate orsevere ocular surface disease. Eye examination revealed dry eye disease in 11 patients (52.4%), associated with superficial punctate keratitis in two patients and posterior blepharitis in 10 patients (47.6%). Tear cytokine levels of interleukin (IL)-1RA and IL-6 were not significantly different in mastocytosis patients compared to controls and did not vary according to ocular symptoms.

Dry eye disease and blepharitis were frequently found in this cohort of mastocytosis patients. Ocular consultation may be considered in this population to initiate eye hydration measures.