title: Hereditary angioedema. Complex symptoms can make diagnosis difficult.
abstract: Although rare, hereditary angioedema is a potentially life-threatening disorder that can be difficult to diagnose. It is characterized by a deficiency in C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 INH). Manifestations include gastrointestinal, subcutaneous, and respiratory edema. Factors that trigger episodes vary. Symptoms typically last 48 to 72 hours, but they can last 4 hours to 1 week. Treatment includes prophylactic therapy with attenuated androgens or antifibrinolytic agents. Acute episodes can be medical emergencies, and airway management is a major concern. The treatment of choice in an acute episode is administration of plasma concentrate of C1 INH.
authors.affiliation: George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20047, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Borum
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Howard
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D000799:Angioedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D003613:Danazol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D003613:Danazol