Hereditary angioedema: a case report and literature review

Hereditary angioedema is an autosomal dominant condition with a typical presentation of diffuse edematous, painless, and nonpitting swelling of the soft tissues. The disease manifests itself primarily in the extremities, face, airway, and abdominal viscera. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential as this condition has the capacity of becoming life-threatening due to potential airway embarrassment. This case report demonstrates the complexity of diagnosing and treating hereditary angioedema. Hereditary angioedema often is overlooked on a differential diagnosis of patients suffering from diffuse swelling and/or abdominal discomfort. Nonetheless, the diagnosis of hereditary angioedema should be included when assessing patients who display the proper symptomology and familial history of the condition.