A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain in Children: Hereditary Angioedema

Abstract

Hereditary angioedema (HA) is a rare, autosomal-dominant genetic disorder presenting with recurrent attacks of angioedema. The most commonly involved organs include the extremites, face, neck, upper respiratory tract, genital region and the gastrointestinal tract. Edema of the intestinal mucosa can cause temporary obstruction and severe abdominal pain that can be confused with acute abdomen. Pediatricians and emergency physicians should keep in mind this rare disease in the differential diagnosis of severe abdominal pain.

Keywords

• Child
• hereditary angioedema
• abdominal pain