Ocular and palpebral manifestations of mastocytosis: A prospective single-center study

Abstract

Background: Ocular discomfort has been described as a frequent symptom in patients with mastocytosis, a rare disease resulting from accumulation of mast cells in organs.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the frequency and describe the nature of ocular and palpebral abnormalities in mastocytosis patients.

Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center study in adult mastocytosis patients, who were systematically examined by a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist with determination of tear cytokine levels.

Results: Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 60.7 ± 16.4 years were included. Nine patients presented with isolated cutaneous mastocytosis and 12 with indolent systemic mastocytosis. Seventeen patients (81.0%) presented with one or more eye symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms were ocular itching (n = 12), dryness (n = 12), and excessive tearing (n = 9). Based on their Ocular Surface Disease Index scores, 11 patients (52.4%) were classified as having moderate orsevere ocular surface disease. Eye examination revealed dry eye disease in 11 patients (52.4%), associated with superficial punctate keratitis in two patients and posterior blepharitis in 10 patients (47.6%). Tear cytokine levels of interleukin (IL)-1RA and IL-6 were not significantly different in mastocytosis patients compared to controls and did not vary according to ocular symptoms.

Conclusion: Dry eye disease and blepharitis were frequently found in this cohort of mastocytosis patients. Ocular consultation may be considered in this population to initiate eye hydration measures.

Keywords: Blepharitis; Conjunctivitis; Dry eye disease; Mastocytosis.