Angioedema. A review on the acquired, allergic or non-allergic, and the hereditary forms

This review intends to review the various clinical and biochemical backgrounds of angioedema: i.e. angioedema in association with allergic or pseudoallergic reactions and the cells involved as well as angioedema on the basis of functional deficiencies of regulatory proteins such as C1-esterase-inhibitor, plasma carboxypeptidase B, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme. Angioedema in suggested association with sexual hormone balance shifts is another topic discussed. The manuscript further summarizes some possible therapies and laboratory practices for diagnostic purposes of the various forms of angioedema.