Pediatric Cutaneous Mastocytosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

An important component of innate immunity, mast cells contain intensely basophilic granules of anticoagulants (such as heparin) and vasoactive amines (histamine and others), playing key roles in the initiation of inflammation. They have a vast array of cell surface receptors for IgE and complements. FcεRI, with high affinity for IgE Fc terminals, respond to a wide variety of stimuli including damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). CD 88 and C3aR bind anaphylatoxins from the complement system. We report a case of infantile cutaneous mastocytosis with an extensive review of literature on both mastocytosis and mast cell function and dysfunction for pediatric plastic surgeons.