title: Systemic mastocytosis presenting as osteoporosis--a case report.
abstract: Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder of the mast cell and its precursor cells, and is characterised by proliferation and accumulation of mast cells within various organs, most commonly the skin. Systemic mastocytosis is a rare but well-recognised cause of secondary osteoporosis, accounting for about 1.25% of cases. The pathophysiological mechanism is probably multifactorial, including increased osteoclastic activity, and a direct effect of mast cell mediators like histamine, heparin, tryptase and cytokines. Here, we report the case of a middle-aged male patient with osteoporotic vertebral fractures as a rare presenting manifestation of systemic mastocytosis. In summary, systemic mastocytosis, although rare, should be considered as a cause in patients with idiopathic osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. drrengi@yahoo.com
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dhillon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shepherd
mesh_terms: D019386:Alendronate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005076:Exanthema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D034721:Mastocytosis, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D019386:Alendronate