Anesthetic management of a patient with acquired angioedema submitted to broncofibroscopy: a case report
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Bronchoalveolar Lavage BAL for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
Published on: March 24, 2014
Melanie Barata1, Ana Marques1, Catarina Tiago1
1Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Department of Anaesthesiology, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Abstract:
Acquired angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (AAE-C1INH) is a very rare condition of bradykinin-mediated angioedema. One of its major complications is potentially life-threatening, laryngeal edema. We report a 53-year-old woman with AAE-C1INH proposed for an elective broncofibroscopy. The direct stimulation caused by broncofibroscopy poses a high risk of angioedema, thus presenting an anesthetic challenge. Due to the risk of death, it is essential to adopt preventive measures. Short-term prophylaxis was performed, and the acute treatment was readily available. A well-structured multidisciplinary periprocedural plan makes it possible to safely approach the airway, in a remote area of the hospital.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
Angina IV: Management
Angina V: Nursing Management
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

