A case of systemic mastocytosis associated with severe osteoporosis and pathologic fractures.

We describe the case of a 56-year-old man with rapidly progressive osteoporosis culminating in pathologic fractures of multiple lumbar vertebrae. With the exception of discrete brown-reddish cutaneous lesions, low back pain was the only prominent symptom. Laboratory evaluations excluded metabolic or endocrinological abnormalities.

Are gastrointestinal mucosal mast cells increased in patients with systemic mastocytosis?

In patients with mastocytosis, gastrointestinal symptoms are a frequent phenomenon. However, there are only limited data about the quantity and distribution pattern of mast cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa. We stained gastroduodenal biopsy specimens from 27 patients with mastocytosis and 48 control subjects for mast cell tryptase, CD117, and CD25.

Anaphylaxis to wheat beer.

Background: Despite its worldwide and abundant consumption, beer has rarely been found to cause anaphylaxis. Barley malt contained in lager beers seems to be an important elicitor.

Objective: To report the unusual case of severe anaphylaxis following the ingestion of wheat beer.