Hereditary angioneurotic edema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease that results from the deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) function. Urgent proper intervention of the upper airway is warranted to save the life of patients with the disease, which often causes acute airway obstruction. We present, with a review of literature, a case of 37-year old woman with HAE of larynx.
Adult ; Airway Obstruction ; Angioedema ; Angioedemas, Hereditary* ; Female ; Hereditary Angioedema Types I and II ; Humans ; Larynx*

Angioedema is a non-pitting edema that occurs in the skin and mucus membranes. It is known that major etiologies include hereditary deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor, temperature extreme, trauma, food sensitivity, and medications such as penicillin, aspirin, NSAIDS and ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, and increasing local levels of bradykinin, a potent vasodilator. This increased bradykinin has been theorized to cause angioedema and cough in patients on ACE inhibitors. However, there has been very few causes of angioedema induced by angiotensin II receptor blocker. This is the first report of a patient presenting angioedema induced by losartan -angiotensin II receptor blocker- in this century.
Angioedema* ; Angiotensin I ; Angiotensin II ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Aspirin ; Bradykinin ; Cough ; Edema ; Hereditary Angioedema Types I and II ; Humans ; Losartan* ; Membranes ; Mucus ; Penicillins ; Receptors, Angiotensin ; Skin