Serum tryptase in idiopathic anaphylaxis: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening disease that characteristically presents with multiple arrays of dermatologic, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal derangements, in general, suddenly after exposure to an allergen. It can, however, occur without an identifiable precipitant or event, and this well-defined entity has been called idiopathic anaphylaxis. The diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis is made after an appropriate allergic evaluation and exclusion of a provocative trigger. We report an unusual case of manifesting with gastroenteritis, urticaria, hypotension, and syncope. Measurement of serum tryptase, a mast cell enzyme, was used to substantiate the diagnosis. Tryptase level is a useful test that can be used to help diagnose this potentially fatal disease.