Systemic mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is a disease characterized by an abnormal increase in mast cel ls. Rare in occurrence, protean in its manifestations, it is a disease whic h is very seldom thought of and hence, possibly even overlooked. The last f ew decades have witnessed an upsurge in the understanding of the physiology and pathobiology of mast cells. Better means for diagnosis and follow-up h ave become available. Once a diagnosis is established histamine antagonists remain the mainstay of treatment. Most patients live and die with the dise ase rather than of it. The objective of this review is to discuss this enti ty with a special focus on diagnosis and treatment. Copyright (C) 2000 S. K arger AG, Basel.