[Mastocytosis simulating a food allergy].

A patient reported that she developed various shock-like symptoms upon intake of alcohol, acetylsalicylic acid, or after injection of contrast medium. After provocation with alcohol applied orally and following endoscopy flush, tachycardia, and a severe headache followed immediately by painful diarrhea were observed. According to our diagnosis the patient had urticaria pigmentosa involving the bone marrow and an enlarged liver and spleen, respectively. The suspected intestinal mastocytosis was confirmed histologically by a biopsy from the jejunum. It was concluded that the symptoms were the result of a direct activation of the accumulated intestinal mast cells. The differential diagnosis of mastocytosis as opposed to allergic gastroenteritis, sprue, and carcinoid is discussed.