Response to Interferon Alfa-2b in a Patient with Systemic Mastocytosis

Abstract

IN systemic mastocytosis, an abnormal proliferation of mast cells infiltrates the skin, bone marrow, spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.1 2 3 The release of mast-cell mediators such as histamine causes systemic attacks, with flushing, itching, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, and even vascular collapse with syncope.1 Although the life expectancy of most patients is good, some have a malignant form of the disease, aggressive systemic mast-cell disease, in which there is marked infiltration of organs by mast cells and a rapidly progressive downhill course.1 The presence of leukemic circulating mast cells indicates a particularly grave prognosis.1 , 4 , 5 So far, there is no effective treatment for . . .