Potentially fatal hereditary angioedema: a review and case report

Hereditary angioedema is a disease based upon a biochemical deficiency which may result in sudden and unexpected death principally from respiratory distress due to swelling of the pharyngeal tissues. Dental treatment is not an uncommon initiator of such edema. To perform dental care safely, it is necessary to understand the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition. This article presents a review of these features, and indicates via a case report how knowledge of them was essential in conducting safe, effective and efficient dental treatment.