[Urticaria and angioedema. An internal disorder with cutaneous manifestation].
Urticaria and angioedema will affect 15-20% of the general population during their lifetime, and this remains one of the most vexing conditions to evaluate and treat. This review of the literature is to give the reader a global insight into the spectrum of urticaria and angioedema, focusing on differential diagnosis and pathogenic mechanisms. It will define the role of the mast cell, exploring a possible autoimmune basis for urticaria. Last, the different potential treatments will be discussed. Urticaria and angioedema are frustrating problems for both physicians and their patients; however, the problem may best be approached by considering urticaria as a general affection rather than a specific cutaneous disease. The physical examination and medical history remain the two most important pieces of information.
Mansueto
Pasquale
P
Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e delle Patologie Emergenti, Università, Palermo.
Rizzo
Manfredi
M
Di Fede
Gaetana
G
Morselli
Salvatore
S
Rini
Giovam Battista
GB
Di Lorenzo
Gabriele
G
D000799:Angioedema / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D014581:Urticaria / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*