Histamine levels and cardiovascular responses during splenectomy and splenorenal shunt formation in a patient with systemic mastocytosis.

Abstract

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterised by the infiltration of many tissues by abnormal numbers of mast cells. Life-threatening episodes of bronchospasm and hypotension are common in response to a variety of triggers which cause mast cell degranulation. We present the case history of a patient with severe mast cell disease who successfully underwent splenectomy and portocaval anastomosis. Peri-operative therapy was directed towards mast cell stabilisation, and histamine-releasing drugs were avoided. Cardiovascular data, together with blood histamine levels and thrombin times, indicated that mast cell degranulation did not occur. A review of the current literature concerning mast cell disease as it relates to anaesthesia is presented and suggestions for the safe management of such cases are given.

• Authors: G B Smith, R J Gusberg, R H Jordan, B Kim
• Journal: Anaesthesia (Anaesthesia) Vol. 42 Issue 8 Pg. 861-7 (Aug 1987) ISSN: 0003-2409 [Print] England
• PMID: 3661931 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Histamine

Topics

• Adult
• Hemodynamics
• Histamine (blood)
• Humans
• Male
• Mastocytosis (blood, complications, physiopathology)
• Splenectomy
• Splenorenal Shunt, Surgical