A Rare Case of Hydromorphone-Induced Angioedema Effectively Managed by a Difficult Airway Response Team

Hydromorphone, unlike other opioids associated with histamine release, has never been reported to cause angioedema. We report a rare case of hydromorphone-induced angioedema in a 34-year-old woman with history of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism who presented with leg swelling and pain after trauma. Hydromorphone was administered with subsequent rapid development of stridor and edematous changes of the tongue, uvula, and surrounding mucosa. The difficult airway response team was activated, and the airway was secured by emergent awake fiberoptic intubation in the operating room. After being treated with antihistamines and steroids for 24 hours, the airway edema had resolved, leading to a successful extubation.