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diagnostic-background

Diagnostic Considerations

Indolent Systemic
Mastocytosis Signs and Symptoms May Be Confused With Other Disorders1-8

Clinical suspicion is needed in the setting of dermatologic symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, systemic symptoms such as recurrent unexplained anaphylaxis, or other mast cell mediator–related symptoms8,9

  • Given heterogeneous and nonspecific symptoms, diagnosis of ISM may be challenging5,10-12
  • Some patients may remain undiagnosed for years and initially present with allergic/ anaphylaxis symptoms6-8,13

ISM vs Other Differential Disorders

Click through these interactive panels to learn more about how signs and symptoms may overlap between ISM and other disorders.

FILTER DISORDER BY DESIRED SYMPTOMS:

Please note: dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and anaphylaxis (systemic) symptoms are the hallmark symptoms of SM and are not inclusive of all organ systems that may be involved. As a result, the following disorders were categorized as “Dermatologic,” “Gastrointestinal,” or “Systemic” based on the most prevalent symptoms for that disorder. For example, CSU and MCAS have gastrointestinal involvement but are not categorized in “Gastrointestinal.”

dermatologic
dermatologic
gastrointestinal
systemic

Please note: dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and anaphylaxis (systemic) symptoms are the hallmark symptoms of SM and are not inclusive of all organ systems that may be involved. As a result, the following disorders were categorized as “Dermatologic,” “Gastrointestinal,” or “Systemic” based on the most prevalent symptoms for that disorder. For example, CSU and MCAS have gastrointestinal involvement but are not categorized in “Gastrointestinal.”

CM, cutaneous mastocytosis; CSU, chronic spontaneous urticaria; HαT, hereditary alpha tryptasemia; HES, hypereosinophilic syndrome; IA, idiopathic anaphylaxis; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; IBS, irritable bowel syndrome; ISM, indolent systemic mastocytosis; MCAS, mast cell activation syndrome; POTS, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; SM, systemic mastocytosis.

References:

  1. Valent P, Akin C, Hartmann K, et al. Updated diagnostic criteria and classification of mast cell disorders: a consensus proposal. Hemasphere. 2021;5(11):e646.
  2. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Anaphylaxis: a 2023 practice parameter update, 2023. Accessed September 28, 2023. https://college.acaai.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Anaphylaxis-2023-Practice-Parameter-Update-01APR2023.pdf
  3. Jackson CW, Pratt CM, Rupprecht CP, Pattanaik D, Krishnaswamy G. Mastocytosis and mast cell activation disorders: clearing the air. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(20):11270.
  4. Weiler CR, Austen KF, Akin C, et al. AAAAI mast cell disorders committee work group report: mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) diagnosis and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;144(4):
    883-896.
  5. Horton L, Al-Kourainy N, Kabbani D, Bishop CR. Challenging diagnosis of indolent systemic mastocytosis isolated to the GI tract. BMJ Case Rep. 2021;14(1):e237268.
  6. Pieri L, Bonadonna P, Elena C, et al. Clinical presentation and management practice of systemic mastocytosis. A survey on 460 Italian patients. Am J Hematol. 2016;91(7):692-699.
  7. Hermans MAW, Rietveld MJA, van Laar JAM, et al. Systemic mastocytosis: A cohort study on clinical characteristics of 136 patients in a large tertiary centre. Eur J Intern Med. 2016;30:25-30.
  8. Lim KH, Tefferi A, Lasho TL, et al. Systemic mastocytosis in 342 consecutive adults: survival studies and prognostic factors. Blood. 2009;113(23):5727-5736.
  9. Pardanani A. How I treat patients with indolent and smoldering mastocytosis (rare conditions but difficult to manage). Blood. 2013;121(16):3085-3094.
  10. Pyatilova P, Akin C, Alvarez-Twose I, et al. Refined treatment response criteria for indolent systemic mastocytosis proposed by the ECNM-AIM Consortium. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2022;10(8):
    2015-2024.
  11. Taylor F, Akin C, Lamoureux RE, et al. Development of symptom-focused outcome measures for advanced and indolent systemic mastocytosis: the AdvSM-SAF and ISM-SAF©. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):414.
  12. Pardanani A. Systemic mastocytosis in adults: 2023 update on diagnosis, risk stratification and management. Am J Hematol. 2023;98(7):1097-1116.
  13. González de Olano D, Alvarez-Twose I, Estebanos-López M, et al. Safety and effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis presenting with Hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121(2):519-526.