Angioedema of the head and neck

A group of 143 patients with angioedema was reviewed. Women in their third and fourth decades were most commonly affected. Head and neck involvement was found in 94% of cases and this was the only anatomical site in 24%. Twenty-one patients had swelling of the oropharynx while four presented with laryngeal edema. A diagnosis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) was confirmed in one case. Asthma, allergic rhinitis, and drug sensitivity were significantly associated, while smaller numbers of patients had underlying vasculitis or active ongoing infection. The pathophysiology and management of angioedema are discussed.