SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.31 número1Uma causa rara de tumefação axilarCaso clínico pneumológico índice de autoresíndice de assuntosPesquisa de artigos
Home Pagelista alfabética de periódicos  

Serviços Personalizados

Journal

Artigo

Indicadores

Links relacionados

  • Não possue artigos similaresSimilares em SciELO

Compartilhar


Nascer e Crescer

versão impressa ISSN 0872-0754versão On-line ISSN 2183-9417

Nascer e Crescer vol.31 no.1 Porto mar. 2022  Epub 31-Mar-2022

https://doi.org/10.25753/birthgrowthmj.v31.i1.23848 

Case reports

Maculopapular cutaneous Mastocytosis

Mastocitose cutânea maculopapular

Crisbety Pinho1  , Infant´s follow-up, Bibliographic research, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0877-214X

Inês Barreto1  , Patient Care, Management, Writing - review & editing
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1856-5355

Sandra Rebimbas2  , Patient Care, Management, Writing - review & editing
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8286-4026

Sónia Coelho3  , Decision making, Patient Treatment, Infant´s follow-up, Supervision, Validation
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5241-7017

1.Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra. 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal. crisbetypinho@gmail.com; inescbarreto@gmail.com

2.Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga. 3810-164 Aveiro, Portugal. sandrarebimbas@gmail.com

3.Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar Tondela Viseu. 3504-509 Viseu, Portugal. sonia.alexcoelho@gmail.com


Abstract

Mastocytosis is a rare disorder caused by proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in various tissues, with characteristic symptoms associated with the release of their mediators. Its cutaneous form, usually benign, is the most frequent among children.

The authors report the case of a two-month-old male infant who presented to the Emergency Department with small, tan-to-brown macules and papules distributed mainly on the trunk, which progressively became nodular and bullous, with one month of evolution. Darier´s sign was positive.

The absence of systemic signs and analytic (including serum tryptase level) and echographic changes was consistent with the diagnosis of maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis, or urticaria pigmentosa, subsequently confirmed by skin biopsy.

Treatment with anti-histaminic therapy and topical immunosuppressant and avoidance of triggering factors led to a positive outcome.

Keywords: Darier; mastocytosis; Pediatrics

Resumo

A mastocitose é uma doença rara causada por proliferação e acumulação de mastócitos em vários tecidos, com sintomas característicos associados à libertação dos seus mediadores. A forma cutânea, habitualmente benigna, é a mais comum entre as crianças.

Os autores descrevem o caso de um lactente do sexo masculino com dois meses de idade admitido no Serviço de Urgência por lesões maculares e papulares, pequenas, de coloração castanha-avermelhada, distribuídas principalmente pelo tronco, que progressivamente se tornaram nodulares e bolhosas, com um mês de evolução. O sinal de Darier foi positivo.

A ausência de sintomas sistémicos e alterações analíticas (incluindo nos níveis de triptase sérica) e ecográficas foi consistente com o diagnóstico de mastocitose cutânea maculopapular, ou urticaria pigmentosa, subsequentemente confirmado através de biópsia da lesão.

O tratamento com anti-histamínicos e imunossupressor tópico e a evicção de fatores desencadeantes conduziram a uma evolução positiva.

Palavras-chave: Darier; mastocitose; Pediatria

Introduction

Mastocytosis refers to a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by atypical mast cell proliferation and accumulation in one or more organs, together with the release of inflammatory mediators with local and systemic effects.1,2

Although the condition’s etiopathogenesis is uncertain, in some cases it is associated with mutations in c-KIT (mast/stem cell growth factor receptor), leading to increased receptor function and consequent proliferation and accumulation of mast cells.1-3 The most commonly described c-KIT mutation is D816V in exon 17, accounting for the substitution of valine for aspartate in codon 816. This mutation is present in 80% of mastocytosis cases in adults and only 35% in children, with the latter having other c-KIT mutations in 40% and no mutation in 25% of cases.4,5 Although c-KIT mutations seem to play a central role in mastocytosis, the fact that some (adult and pediatric) patients present no mutations suggests that other, yet undetermined, factors play a role in clinical presentation.

In childhood-onset mastocytosis (which accounts for approximately two-thirds of cases), the disease usually begins in the first year of life (60-80% of cases), most commonly in the first six months, and the vast majority (80%) refer to cutaneous forms.1,4-6 A systematic review of 1,747 cases reported a preponderance of male gender (male-to-female ratio of 1.4).4

Although a considerable proportion of cases are benign and tend to regress by adolescence, up to 30-50% present with extensive cutaneous forms.1,7 A recently published review reported regression of cutaneous lesions in 67% of cases and stabilization in 27%, with 2-9% of cases having a fatal outcome after a median follow-up of 6 years.4

In adult-onset mastocytosis, other tissues, such as the bone marrow, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal tract, can be involved (systemic form), and lesions are monomorphic and smaller in size.1,5 Although rare, systemic forms can also occur in children.4

Case report

A two-month-old male infant with no relevant medical history was admitted to the Emergency Department with dermatosis with one month of evolution. The condition presented as small-to-medium-sized, tan-to-reddish brown macules (the largest being around 1.5 cm in diameter) and papules, initially distributed over the lower limbs and rapidly spreading to the upper limbs, trunk, face, sparing mucous membranes, scalp, palms, and soles. In the upper and lower limbs, some lesions evolved to nodules and small plaques with around 3 cm of maximum diameter, some with blister formation (Figures 1,2 and 3).

Systemic symptoms, such as dyspnea, vomiting, diarrhea, and acute anaphylactic reactions were excluded. Upon slight lesion scratching or rubbing, a wheal and flare reaction developed, known as positive Darier’s sign. Exposure to physical stimuli, such as pressure (clothes), heat, and sweating, was reported as triggering factors. Lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, or fracture signs were not identified.

The initial laboratory study included complete blood count with differential, coagulation profile, C-reactive protein, serum electrolytes, and renal and liver function tests, which revealed no abnormal values. Abdominal and renal ultrasound were normal.

The infant was promptly referred to the Dermatology Department with clinical suspicion of cutaneous mastocytosis.

Despite the characteristic lesions and presence of positive Darier´s sign, a differential diagnosis should be performed in cases of children with macular, nodular, and/or bullous lesions. In the present case, this included bullous impetigo, bullous arthropod bite, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, incontinentia pigmenti, and bullous pemphigoid.7

Skin biopsy was performed in the Dermatology consultation, with histopathological staining with toluidine blue showing a dense inflammatory infiltrate of mast cells in the papillary and reticular dermis. Serum tryptase level was 6 ng/mL (reference value <11 ng/mL). The absence of systemic signs or symptoms, normal serum total tryptase level, and skin biopsy findings (dense infiltrate of mast cells in the dermis forming agglomerations) allowed to establish the diagnosis of maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis.

The infant was treated with an oral antihistamine agent and topical immunosuppressant (tacrolimus 0.03%) twice daily. Avoidance of triggering factors, such as skin friction of lesions and exposure to hot temperatures, was recommended, including in bath. No recommendations were made regarding other triggering factors not implicated in this case (e.g., foods and medications).

Significant improvement was observed following the implementation of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic measures, with lesions clearing up and decreasing in number. The patient is currently 25 months (23 months of follow-up) and remains on topical immunosuppressants but has discontinued antihistamines. He presents only tan macules and patches, with no new cutaneous symptoms (blistering lesions, flushes, or itch) since the age of seven months.

Figure 1 Hyperpigmented macules and nodular and bullous Lesions 

Figure 2 Hyperpigmented macules and nodular and bullous Lesions 

Figure 3 Hyperpigmented macules and nodular and bullous Lesions 

Discussion

Based on the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) revised classification, mastocytosis can be divided into cutaneous, systemic, or localized.8 In the cutaneous form, firstly described in 1869 by Nettleship and Tay, the only affected organ is the skin, and three main presentations can be found: maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (or urticaria pigmentosa; 40-70%), solitary mastocytoma (20-50%), and diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (3-8%).4,8,9

Cutaneous mastocytosis is usually suspected by the presence of typical skin lesions, particularly in children. Darier´s sign is the basic and most important diagnostic test and should be investigated in all patients.5,6 It is more pronounced in children due to the higher concentration of mastocytes in the affected skin.10

Serum tryptase level is a marker of mast cell activity that, when increased (>20 ng/mL), suggests systemic involvement.1,11 It directly correlates with the number of mast cells, including in bone marrow biopsy, and disease severity.1,11,12 Serum tryptase levels tend to decrease with time in concert with improving symptoms. Carter et al. argue that there is value in determining their levels at 6-to-12-month intervals.12

Skin biopsy with histological examination with special stains, such as toluidine blue, giemsa, or monoclonal antibodies to mast cell tryptase or CD117 (KIT), typical shows mast cell infiltrates in a multifocal pattern, confirming the diagnosis.10,13 Eosinophils are commonly found in the dermis, with hyperpigmentation of the basal layer also frequently observed.10

Bone marrow biopsy is usually not recommended in pediatric-onset cutaneous mastocytosis, except in the presence of systemic symptoms, analytical changes (including increased serum tryptase levels), or absence of improvement with prompt treatment.2,6,10 Among patients with high tryptase levels (>20 ng/mL) and severe mediator symptoms, organomegaly appears to be a strong indicator of those who may require bone marrow biopsy.12 WHO proposes a stepwise approach for the diagnosis of the condition, in which patients must have one major criterion (typical skin lesions) and one of two minor criteria (histological ─ multifocal dense infiltrates of mast cells [≥15 mast cells per cluster] or scattered mast cells [≥20 per high microscopic power field]) ─ or molecular ─ point mutation at codon 816 of c-KIT in the affected skin tissue) to be diagnosed with cutaneous mastocytosis.5,10,14

Management of cutaneous mastocytosis includes counseling parents about the disease pathophysiology and the importance of avoiding possible mast cell degranulation triggers.15 Treatment of cutaneous lesions is mainly symptomatic and has only recently been proposed, with no specific treatments available until now.15

Topical medications include glucocorticoids, which may reduce the number of lesions if applied once daily over 8-12 weeks.10 Topical calcineurin inhibitors applied twice daily may reduce mast cell degranulation by inhibiting T-cell activation and cytokine release, offering a safe alternative to glucocorticoids.10

Chronic administration of oral antihistamines (the mainstay of treatment) is often useful in reducing cutaneous and gastrointestinal symptoms, with oral cromolyn sodium specifically used for the latter.10 Other systemic therapies, such as oral corticosteroids or narrow-band ultraviolet B, can also be used in children in selected cases.10

In conclusion, the present report described the case of a two-month-old boy with macular and nodular lesions (some with bullous formation) and positive Darier´s sign, suggestive of cutaneous mastocytosis, which was later confirmed by skin biopsy. The absence of systemic symptoms and normal laboratory tests (including serum tryptase levels) excluded the systemic form of the condition. The use of a topical immunosuppressant, a member of the calcineurin inhibitor class, led to significant lesion improvement a few months later, with no serious adverse effects. Some reports of this treatment can be found in the literature, with the largest case series of 18 patients supporting its use.15 Treatment duration until complete resolution was two to nine months in previously reported cases, and eight months in the above-mentioned largest case series.15 In the present case, a favorable outcome was achieved after 23 months of follow-up. Although the child presented no new lesions after the first five months of treatment, topical treatment was kept due to the association of longer treatment with an increased likelihood of lesion resolution.15

Some predictors of prognosis have been put forward but not fully confirmed, including diagnosis before the age of two years, clinical improvement with treatment, and absence of systemic signs (as in the present case).4,7

References

1. Castells M, Metcalfe D, Escribano L. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cutaneous Mastocytosis in Children. Am J Clin Dermatol 2011; 12(4): 259-70. [ Links ]

2. Tamay Z, Özçeker D. Current approach to cutaneous mastocytosis in childhood. Turk Pediatri Ars 2016; 51(3): 123-7. [ Links ]

3. Pardanani A. CME Information: Systemic mastocytosis in adults: 2017 update on diagnosis, risk stratification and management. Am J Hematol 2016; 91(11): 1146-59. [ Links ]

4. Méni C, Bruneau J, Georgin-Lavialle S, Le Saché de Peufeilhoux L, Damaj G, Hadj-Rabia S, et al. Paediatric mastocytosis: a systematic review of 1747 cases. Br J Dermatol 2015; 172(3): 642-51. [ Links ]

5. Hartmann K, Escribano L, Grattan C, Brockow K, Carter M. Cutaneous manifestations in patients with mastocytosis: Consensus report of the European Competence Network on Mastocytosis; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; and the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 137(1): 35-45. [ Links ]

6. Klaiber N, Kumar S, Irani A-M. Mastocytosis in Children. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2017; 17(80). [ Links ]

7. Tarjuelo DV, Majlis PZ, Ortiz LB, Hermosa JMH. Mastocitosis cutánea. Acta Pediatr Esp 2007; 65(6): 282-5. [ Links ]

8. Valent P, Aki C, Metcalfe DD. Mastocytosis: 2016 updated WHO classification and novel emerging treatment concepts. Blood 2017; 129(11): 1420-7. [ Links ]

9. Matito A, Azaña JM, Torrelo A, Alvarez-Twose I. Cutaneous Mastocytosis in Adults and Children: New Classification and Prognostic Factors. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2018; 38(3): 351-63. [ Links ]

10. Tharp MD. Mastocytosis. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner A L, Enk A H, Margolis D J, McMichael A J, Orringer J S, editors. Fitzpatrick´s Dermatology in General Medicine. Ninth edition. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. p. 710-22. [ Links ]

11. Alvarez-Twose I, Vañó-Galván S, Sánchez-Muñoz L, Morgado JM, Matito A, Torrelo A, et al. Increased serum baseline tryptase levels and extensive skin involvement are predictors for the severity of mast cell activation episodes in children with mastocytosis. Allergy 2012; 67(6): 813-21. [ Links ]

12. Carter MC, Clayton ST, Komarow HD, Brittain EH, Scott LM, Cantave D, et al. Assessment of clinical findings, tryptase levels, and bone marrow histopathology in the management of pediatric mastocytosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 136(6): 1673-9. [ Links ]

13. Alemán GM, El Habr C, Norris DI, Dámaso TM, Borrego L, Sangueza OP. Cutaneous Mastocytosis With Atypical Mast Cells in a 7-Year-Old Girl. Am J Dermatopathol 2017; 39(4): 310-2. [ Links ]

14. Valent P, Akin C, Escribano L, Födinger M, Hartmann K, Brockow K, et al. Standards and standardization in mastocytosis: Consensus Statements on Diagnostics, Treatment Recommendations and Response Criteria. Eur J Clin Invest 2007; 37(6): 435-53. [ Links ]

15. Mashiah J, Harel A, Bodemer C, Hadj-Rabia S, Goldberg I, Sprecher E, et al. Topical pimecrolimus for paediatric cutaneous mastocytosis. Clin Exp Dermatol 2017; 43(5): 559-65. [ Links ]

16. Vaz AS, Rodrigues J, Moura L, Mascarenhas R. Early diagnosis of cutaneous mastocytosis in an infant: the importance of a clinical sign. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12(1). [ Links ]

Received: March 03, 2021; Accepted: May 31, 2021

Correspondence to Crisbety Pinho Department of Pediatrics Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra Rua Dr. Afonso Romão 3000-602 Coimbra Email: crisbetypinho@gmail.com

Creative Commons License This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License