title: ACEI associated angioedema - a case study and review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Angioedema is an infrequent but potentially serious adverse effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article describes a case of ACEI associated angioedema and reviews important clinical features of the condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mechanism of ACEI associated angioedema is not allergic (histamine mediated), but rather due to an alteration of the balance of bradykinin and other vasodilator mediators. Onset may be delayed for weeks, months or years and episodes may be recurrent. Occasionally, airway obstruction may occur. Diagnosis is from history and physical examination; there is no specific diagnostic test. In contrast to allergic angioedema, ACEI associated angioedema is generally unresponsive to corticosteroids and antihistamines, although these agents are often used by convention. In the longer term, cessation of the ACEI is necessary to reduce the risk of recurrent episodes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, Australia. nick.h.andrew@gmail.com
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Andrew
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gabb
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Del Fante
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000799:Angioedema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D028761:Withholding Treatment
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal