Mastocytic enterocolitis

Title

Summary Summary

Mastocytic enterocolitis is a term describing the condition of chronic, intractable diarrhea in people with normal colon or duodenum biopsy results, but with an increased number of mast cells in the colonic mucosa (the innermost layer of the colon).^[1] The increase in mast cells is not associated with systemic or cutaneous mastocytosis.^[2] It is unclear whether the accumulation of mast cells is a response to, or cause of, the mucosal inflammation that causes the symptoms of the condition.^[1] Most individuals with this condition respond well to drugs affecting mast cell function.^[2]

Last updated: 5/29/2014

Symptoms Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of mastocytic enterocolitis primarily include chronic, intractable diarrhea and abdominal pain. Other symptoms that have occasionally been reported include constipation, nausea, and/or vomiting.^[2]^[3]

Last updated: 10/25/2016

Diagnosis Diagnosis

Mastocytic enterocolitis is diagnosed after an endoscopic procedure in which the doctor takes samples of tissues (biopsies) from the lining of the intestines. The tissue is then sent to a pathologist who looks at it under the microscope. Mast cells may be hard to see on biopsies without a special stain for tryptase, an enzyme present in mast cells. Mastocytic enterocolitis is diagnosed when excess mast cells are present in the small bowel or the colon.^[2]

Last updated: 7/15/2009

Treatment Treatment

There is very limited information in the medical literature about the treatment of mastocytic enterocolitis. Options that have been suggested include antihistamines and/or medications that alter mast cell mediator release and function, or mast cell stabilizers.^[4]^[5]

Symptoms of chronic diarrhea may be relieved by staying well-hydrated and avoiding dehydration; maintaining a well-balanced diet; and avoiding alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine.^[6]

People with a diagnosis of mastocytic enterocolitis who are looking for specific treatment options should speak with their healthcare provider.

Last updated: 5/29/2014

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Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

American Gastroenterological Association
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Telephone: 301–654–2055
Fax: 301–654–5920
E-mail: communication@gastro.org
Website: http://www.gastro.org/patient
Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders, Inc. (AGMD)
AGMD International Corporate Headquarters
12 Roberts Drive
Bedford, MA 01730
Telephone: 781-275-1300
E-mail: digestive.motility@gmail.com
Website: http://www.agmd-gimotility.org
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
PO Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Toll-free: 888-964-2001
Telephone: 414-964-1799
Fax: 414-964-7176
E-mail: iffgd@iffgd.org
Website: http://iffgd.org/

Do you know of an organization? Send us your suggestions.

Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on chronic diarrhea. The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.

In-Depth Information

The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mastocytic enterocolitis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

GARD Answers GARD Answers

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

I have just been diagnosed by my GI doctor. I have all of the symptoms, even the "nondigestive" ones. I have also had a terrible time with multiple mouth ulcers at a time (so many that eating and talking have been difficult). I didn't see this listed among the symptoms, but am wondering if it could be related as well. See answer
Is mastocytic enterocolitis serious? See answer

Have a question? Contact a GARD Information Specialist.

References References

Ogilvie-McDaniel C, Blaiss M, Osborn FD, Carpenter J. Mastocytic enterocolitis: a newly described mast cell entity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. December 2008; 101(6):645-646.
Jakate S, Demeo M, John R, Tobin M, Keshavarzian A.. Mastocytic enterocolitis: increased mucosal mast cells in chronic intractable diarrhea. Arch Pathol Lab Med. March 2006; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16519565.
Hyungil Seo, Sang Hyoung Park, Jeong-Sik Byeon, Chang Gok Woo, Seung-Mo Hong, Kiju Chang, Hoonsub So, Minseob Kwak, Wan Soo Kim, Jeong-Mi Lee, Dong-Hoon Yang, Kyung-Jo Kim, Byong Duk Ye, Seung-Jae Myung, Suk-Kyun Yang. Chronic intractable diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal mastocytosis. Intestinal Research. July 2016; 14(3):https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4945533/.
Jakate S, Demeo M, John R, Tobin M, Keshavarzian A. Mastocytic enterocolitis: increased mucosal mast cells in chronic intractable diarrhea. Arch Pathol Lab Med. March, 2006; 130(3):362-367. Accessed 5/29/2014.
Chrishana Ogilvie-McDaniel, Michael Blaiss, F David Osborn, Julie Carpenter. MASTOCYTIC ENTEROCOLITIS: A NEWLY DESCRIBED MAST CELL ENTITY. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. December, 2008; 101(6):645–646. Accessed 5/29/2014.
Chronic Diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 18, 2011; http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/chronic_diarrhea.html. Accessed 5/29/2014.