Mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by accumulation of mast cells
in tissues. Sixty-five percent of patients with mastocytosis are children.
Whereas mastocytosis in adults is usually persistent or progressive, pedia
tric mastocytosis is often transient and limited. Recent studies suggest th
at childhood-onset and adult-onset mastocytosis also differ in their pathog
enesis. This article reviews the various forms of pediatric mastocytosis wi
th a special focus on new pathogenetic findings.