Systemic mastocytosis and mastocytosis-like syndrome: radiologic features of gastrointestinal manifestations.

Mastocytosis is a disorder of unknown etiology characterized by an abnormal proliferation of tissue mast cells, and/or by degranulation of abnormally behaving mast cells that show no proliferation, but release myriad active metabolites. This results in a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms that fluctuate considerably. The presently available diagnostic tests vary in their specificity and sensitivity. We have evaluated the role of radiologic studies in 78 confirmed cases of systemic mastocytosis and/or mastocytosis-like syndrome, including barium meal and small bowel follow-through (UGI-SBFT).