Anaphylaxis pathophysiology

Anaphylaxis Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dushka Riaz, MD

Overview

The progression to anaphylaxis usually involves an IgE-mediated or non IgE-mediated response. It is a medical emergency that involves multiple systems.

Pathophysiology

Anaphylactic shock, the most severe type of anaphylaxis, occurs when an allergic response triggers a quick release from mast cells of large quantities of immunological mediators (histamines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes) leading to systemic vasodilation (associated with a sudden drop in blood pressure) and edema of bronchial mucosa (resulting in bronchoconstriction and difficulty breathing). Anaphylactic shock can lead to death in a matter of minutes if left untreated.

Researchers typically distinguish between true anaphylaxis and pseudo-anaphylaxis. The symptoms, treatment, and risk of death are identical, but "true" anaphylaxis is always caused directly by degranulation of mast cells or basophils that is mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE), and pseudo-anaphylaxis occurs due to all other causes. The distinction is only important for researchers who are studying mechanisms of allergic reactions. Due to the word "pseudo", it may frustrate patients who feel they are being told that a life-threatening allergic reaction isn't "real".

It is understood that [disease name] is the result of / is mediated by / is produced by / is caused by either [hypothesis 1], [hypothesis 2], or [hypothesis 3]. [Pathogen name] is usually transmitted via the [transmission route] route to the human host. Following transmission/ingestion, the [pathogen] uses the [entry site] to invade the [cell name] cell. [Disease or malignancy name] arises from [cell name]s, which are [cell type] cells that are normally involved in [function of cells]. The progression to [disease name] usually involves the [molecular pathway]. The pathophysiology of [disease/malignancy] depends on the histological subtype.

Genetics

[Disease name] is transmitted in [mode of genetic transmission] pattern.

OR

Genes involved in the pathogenesis of [disease name] include:

• [Gene1]
• [Gene2]
• [Gene3]

OR

The development of [disease name] is the result of multiple genetic mutations such as:

• [Mutation 1]
• [Mutation 2]
• [Mutation 3]

Associated Conditions

Conditions associated with [disease name] include:

• [Condition 1]
• [Condition 2]
• [Condition 3]

Gross Pathology

On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].

Microscopic Pathology

On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].