Gastroenterologic manifestations of mastocytosis

Mastocytosis as a rare disease is usually diagnosed by dermatologists because of urticaria pigmentosa as one of the leading signs. If the triad of urticaria pigmentosa, flush and diarrhea is present diagnosis is easily made. However, urticaria pigmentosa and flush may be less dominant or even absent and gastrointestinal signs may render diagnosis more difficult. Therefore, this review is thought to describe clinical manifestations of mastocytosis from the gastroenterologist's point of view. In addition, on the grounds of a recent classification of mastocytosis practical diagnostic procedures as well as therapeutic approaches are discussed.