Anaphylaxis pathophysiology

Anaphylaxis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Anaphylaxis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Anaphylaxis pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Anaphylaxis pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Anaphylaxis pathophysiology
CDC on Anaphylaxis pathophysiology
Anaphylaxis pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Anaphylaxis pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Anaphylaxis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Anaphylaxis pathophysiology

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. The condition involves pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and integumentary systems and can lead to cardiorespiratory arrest.

Pathophysiology

Anaphylaxis arises from mast cell and basophil degranulation after repeated exposure to an antigen. This results in a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. The IgE then crosslinks and aggregates with receptors resulting in the release of histamine, proteoglycans, and tryptase. This results in arachidonic acid metabolites being released with further consequences. The reaction as a whole leads to vasodilation, increase heart rate, bronchoconstriction, and hypoperfusion of vital organs.

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.

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, basophil and mast cell degranulation are characteristic findings of anaphylaxis.

Microscopic Pathology

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