Angioedema is an uncommon condition characterized by swelling of the tissue under the skin. It is usually associated with urticaria ("hives"), and is often related to an allergy.
At times, angioedema occurs on its own, without urticaria, and it is difficult to diagnose a cause. This often takes years.
This study reports on 776 patients with angioedema without urticaria, seen over 11 years at a specialized clinic in Italy. From their research, Zingale and colleagues outline a practical approach to the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with angioedema.
In a related commentary, Bowen applauds the European approach to diagnosis and management of angioedema and encourages the development in Canada of patient data registries and national programs of comprehensive clinics for rare diseases.
Angiodema without uticaria: a large clinical survey
- B. Cicardi et al
http://www.cmaj.ca/pressrelease/pg1065.pdf
Angiodema and the Canadian Network of Rare Blood Disorder Organizations: extending the Canadian hemophilia care model
- T. Bowen
http://www.cmaj.ca/pressrelease/pg1083.pdf
Canadian Medical Association Journal