Dr Anne Maitland, MCAS, Part 1 of 2

Dr. Anne Maitland's presentation on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) at the Ehlers Danlos Global Learning Conference covers a range of topics, including the differentiation between types of MCAS, common symptoms, and diagnostic challenges. She notes the rise in hypersensitivity disorders and discusses the complexity of diagnosing MCAS due to its diverse presenting symptoms, such as allergies, flushing, neurocognitive impairment, and gastrointestinal issues, among others. Diagnostic measures often involve assessing responses to medications targeting mast cells and utilizing laboratory tests like serum tryptase levels. Dr. Maitland emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive patient history and response to treatments, suggesting that management may include both allopathic and complementary approaches like medication, traditional Chinese herbal therapy, and lifestyle modifications. She illustrates how MCAS can be misdiagnosed as psychiatric or eating disorders, stressing the need for awareness of MCAS in differential diagnosis. Additionally, the presentation discusses various triggers for mast cell degranulation and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary management strategies.