ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Angioedema is a condition that can cause cutaneous and mucosal edema of practically any part of the body. Isolated edema of the intestines is a rather rare manifestation, but it can cause important morbidity. Hereditary angioedema as well as certain medications can give rise to intestinal angioedema. We have seen a rise in frequency of intestinal angioedema since the advent of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Ultrasound of the abdomen is an inexpensive, safe, and easy tool that can help in the differential diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with acute abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with intestinal angioedema due to hereditary angioedema type I. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Misdiagnosis can lead to administering the wrong treatment or even unnecessary surgical interventions. Intestinal angioedema is best treated with purified C1-inhibitor, icatibant, or ecallantide. Fresh frozen plasma is to be avoided because it carries the risk of worsening the symptoms.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Pain/diagnosis , Angioedemas, Hereditary/diagnosis , Abdominal Pain/drug therapy , Adult , Angioedemas, Hereditary/drug therapy , Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins/therapeutic use , Complement C1 Inhibitor Protein , Diagnosis, Differential , Emergency Service, Hospital , Female , HumansABSTRACT
We will present the fourth case in the English-language literature of a mid-gestational colonoscopy-assisted manual reposition of an incarcerated uterus. Despite the ready availability of ultrasound, a great number of incarcerations are not recognized before term. Since early diagnosis is the key to a successful treatment, it is important that providers acquire prompt knowledge of this obstetric disorder. Magnetic Resonance Imaging has an important additional value to ultrasound in the detailed scanning of this potentially perilous condition.
