Accepted
at 4:54 p.m. Jul, 21, 2026
by
mmatheso
Author:
mmatheso
Type of change:
Updated content
Rationale for change
f
Before
After
Text
Text
Text
Text
Extra
- Hereditary angioedema is a condition characterized by recurrent edema without associated pruritus or urticaria. This autosomal dominant disorder is typically caused by a deficiency in or dysfunction of C1 inhibitor (previously referred to as C1 esterase inhibitor). A C1 inhibitor defect leads to elevated bradykinin, which causes edema.
- Hereditary angioedema typically presents in late childhood or adolescence with an acute onset of swelling after a dental procedure, stress, or trauma. The face, limbs, and genitalia are most commonly affected. Bowel wall edema presents as colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, the most life-threatening risk is laryngeal edema, which can cause laryngospasm and airway obstruction.
- Diagnosis is confirmed by complement testing. Exaggerated cleavage of C4 by C1 complex causes depressed C4 levels, and low levels of C1 inhibitor protein or C1 inhibitor function confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of acute swelling typically involves C1 inhibitor concentrate; a bradykinin antagonist (eg, icatibant) or kallikrein inhibitor (eg, ecallantide) may be effective in resistant cases.
Lecture Notes
Empty field
Missed Questions
Empty field
Pathoma
Empty field
Boards and Beyond
Empty field
First Aid
Empty field
Sketchy
Empty field
UWorld
44d4e84c-8b4e-4a5e-8433-4cc0b728a47c
PancePrepPearls
Empty field
Picmonic
Empty field
Pixorize
Empty field
Physeo
Empty field
Bootcamp
Empty field
OME
Empty field
Additional Resources
Empty field
One by one
Empty field