Diagnosis of hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema is a rare disease, potentially life-threatening. It requires a specific treatment. Angioedema without wheals associated with abdominal attacks are very specific of this disease. Antigenemy and functional Cl Inhibitor assays are necessary for the diagnosis. The hereditary angioedema with normal ClInh (type III) is a diagnostic challenge. Bradykinin, secondary to kaffikrein-kinin system activation is the key m. ediator of hereditary ongioedema.. Female are more symptomatic. Attacks can be induced by menstruations, pregnancies or contraceptive pills.