Intestinal Angioedema Misdiagnosed as Recurrent Episodes of Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Emergency physicians (EP) frequently encounter angioedema involving the lips and tongue. However, angioedema from Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors or hereditary angioedema (HAE) can present with gastrointestinal symptoms due to bowel wall involvement. EPs should begin to consider this clinical entity as a potential cause for abdominal pain and associated gastrointestinal symptoms given the common use of medications that can precipitate angioedema. We report a case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea due to an acute exacerbation of HAE. [West J Emerg Med. 2010; 11(4):391-394.]

Keywords

• Intestinal Angioedema
• Hereditary Angioedema
• Emergency Department