Letter to the Editor

Angioedema – Challenges of primary care and diagnostic-therapeutic treatment

Ivan Vukelić orcid.org/0009-0000-4109-091X ; Prijediplomski sveučilišni studij Sestrinstvo, Fakultet zdravstvenih studija Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska – student / Undergraduate university study of Nursing, Faculty of Health Studies of University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51 000 Rijeka, Croatia – student. *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Angioedema (AE) is a sudden and localized swelling of the subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissue, which can become a life-threatening condition if it affects the upper airways and neck.
This paper presents the case of a 69-year-old male patient with pronounced swelling of the tongue and pharynx of unknown etiology. Despite initial pharmacological treatment (adrenaline, corticosteroids, antihistamines), no regression of symptoms occurred, and an emergency tracheotomy was indicated to secure the airway. Due to suspected hereditary angioedema (HAE), recombinant human C1 esterase inhibitor was administered on two occasions. After successful primary airway management, the patient was transferred to the ICU for continued monitoring. Recurrent AE episodes and the absence of a clear allergic trigger led to a 13-day hospitalization for further immunological and internal medicine evaluation.

Keywords

angioedema; hereditary angioedema; hospitalization; tracheotomy

Hrčak ID:

334419

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/334419

Publication date:

18.8.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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