[Clinical Picture] Systemic mastocytosis with generalised skin involvement

A 63-year-old man presented to the department of dermatology and allergy in January, 2016, with a 32-year history of reddish-brown skin lesions, which had worsened over the preceding year, accompanied by daily abdominal pain, pruritus and flushing, joint pain, and fatigue. Full body examination showed brown patches covering more than 90% of his body, sparing only the palms, soles, and head (figure). Serum tryptase was 70 ·5 μg/L, six times the upper limit of normal, and a skin biopsy sample showed multiple mast cells.

Source: LANCET - October 12, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Alexander Zink, Alexander B öhner, Anna Schuch, Tilo Biedermann, Knut Brockow Tags: Clinical Picture Source Type: research