Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & Dysautonomia - Dr. Lawrence Afrin

In Dr. Lawrence Afrin’s lecture at the 2016 Dysautonomia International Conference, he explores the overlap between mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and dysautonomia, specifically highlighting postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Dr. Afrin outlines the challenges in diagnosing MCAS due to its heterogeneous nature and the wide range of symptoms that it presents, which often mimic other conditions. He discusses the historical development of mast cell disease understanding, the genetic basis of MCAS, and its prevalence. While systemic mastocytosis is rare, MCAS can affect a significant portion of the population, manifesting in chronic inflammatory issues across various systems. Dr. Afrin emphasizes the importance of accurately diagnosing MCAS before prescribing treatments beyond antihistamines, which can often alleviate symptoms. He outlines the potential for mast cell activation to contribute to dysautonomia symptoms such as those seen in POTS, and underscores the complexity in treatment due to individual variability in response to medications.