Journal of Medical Case Reports (Feb 2011)

Isolated angioedema of the bowel due to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency: a case report and review of literature

  • Kothari Shivangi T,
  • Shah Anish M,
  • Botu Deviprasad,
  • Spira Robert,
  • Greenblatt Robert,
  • Depasquale Joseph

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-5-62
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
p. 62

Abstract

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Abstract Introduction We report a rare, classic case of isolated angioedema of the bowel due to C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency. It is a rare presentation and very few cases have been reported worldwide. Angioedema has been classified into three categories. Case presentation A 66-year-old Caucasian man presented with a ten-month history of episodic severe cramping abdominal pain, associated with loose stools. A colonoscopy performed during an acute attack revealed nonspecific colitis. Computed tomography of the abdomen performed at the same time showed a thickened small bowel and ascending colon with a moderate amount of free fluid in the abdomen. Levels of C4 ( Conclusion In addition to a detailed comprehensive medical history, laboratory data and imaging studies are required to confirm a diagnosis of angioedema due to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency.