Angioneurotic Edema: A Review of Modern Concepts

Hereditary Angioneurotic Edema First Observed as an Epiglottiditis

“…The pathophysiologic findings, management of this condition, and an awareness of the diagnosis should lead to appropriate treatment. '- [4][5] Hereditary angioneurotic edema is a rare entity manifested by episodic attacks of swelling that often involve the head and neck area; it possesses a mortality rate approaching 30%.6·7 The severity, predisposition to in¬ volvement of the airways, and usual lack of responsiveness to medication complicates the treatment of these patients. ous or mucosal swelling result¬ ing from increased vascular perme¬ ability.13 The differential diagnosis includes allergic reactions, immune complex disease, physical stimuli, hereditary angioneurotic edema (HAE), and, in the overwhelming majority of cases, an idiopathic condition.…”