[Life-threatening angioedema as a side effect of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors]

During the past years, angioedema occurring in association with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is seen more and more often. This is due to the increasing use of these drugs for hypertension and congestive heart failure. If the diagnosis is missed and prescription of the ACE inhibitor is prolonged, recurrent and more severe episodes of angioedema may occur. In case of involvement of the upper airway and respiratory distress, the condition may be life-threatening. We demonstrate three such patients, men of 84, 73 and 63 years old. First of all, the airway should be secured. Administration of epinephrine may be indicated. Further use of ACE inhibitors is contraindicated.