Brief Introduction of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome / 胃肠病学

ABSTRACT

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic multisystem disorder caused by inappropriate activation of mast cells. The gastrointestinal tract harbors a large population of mast cells and is easily to be involved by MCAS. Being an under-recognized disease, and because gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently reported, MCAS is often misdiagnosed as functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs). Definite diagnosis should be based on the clinical manifestations, detection of mast cell mediators and pathological examination; and above all, other organic diseases should be excluded. Routine symptomatic treatment is often ineffective in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition to avoiding triggers, the best treatment modalities are mast cell mediator antagonists and regulation of the activation process of mast cells. In this article, the function of mast cells, and the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of MCAS were briefly introduced.