Mast Cell Colitis Associated With Yersinia Enterocolitica

Authors

Olufemi Osikoya, HCA HealthcareFollow
Gregory Brennan

Files

Division

North Texas

Hospital

Medical City Arlington

Specialty

Internal Medicine

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2024

Keywords

mast cell colitis, Yersinia enterocolitica​, Yersinia infections, mast cells

Disciplines

Bacterial Infections and Mycoses | Digestive System Diseases | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Mast cells (MCs) have many functions including regulation of GI epithelial homeostasis, cross talk of the brain gut axis, host immune defenses, and inflammatory pathways. MCs are found in all layers of the GI tract and have been implicated in various gastrointestinal diseases. Although previously described in the literature, mast cell colitis is not considered a distinct clinical entity. This poses a challenge to the gastroenterologist who encounters such pathologic findings. Case Presentation: This is a case of a 76-year-old woman who was referred to the gastroenterology clinic for evaluation of a new diagnosis of colitis. The patient had undergone a routine colonoscopy by a colorectal surgeon who had noted subtle mucosal changes in the right colon including patchy granularity and mild edema. The patient was asymptomatic, and therefore, it was recommended she undergo a repeat colonoscopy in one year and monitor for any symptoms. Repeat colonoscopy, one year later, revealed granularity and patchy erythema in the entire colon with rectal sparing. Biopsies revealed colonic mucosa with atypical CD117 + mast cell infiltrates with a background increase in eosinophils. At that time, the patient was having occasional abdominal bloating. She denied flushing, pruritus, angioedema, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, conjunctival injection, hives, rash, wheezing, or cough. Laboratories were normal including CBC with differential, celiac serology, CRP, tryptase. Stool PCR panel was positive for Yersinia enterocolitica. The patient was treated with antihistamines and ciprofloxacin and her symptoms resolved. Learning Points: Mast cells have been implicated in various gastrointestinal diseases including food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, microscopic colitis, and even inflammatory bowel disease. MC activation and degranulation may lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and peptic ulcer disease via histamine pathways. However, the clinical significance of finding MCs on colonic specimens is unclear. The finding of mast cells on colon biopsies warrants further investigation because of the potential implications of systemic diseases such as systemic macrocytosis. Referral to an allergist/immunologist is warranted as well. As demonstrated in our case, ruling out infection is important given the role MCs play in the immune response. We suspect that this indolent Yersinia infection was the driver of MC infiltration.

Original Publisher

HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education

Recommended Citation

Osikoya, Olufemi and Brennan, Gregory, "Mast Cell Colitis Associated With Yersinia Enterocolitica" (2024). North Texas Research Forum 2024. 33.
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/northtexas2024/33