Recurrent abdominal pain due to hereditary angioedema

Recurrent abdominal pain is a common problem in children that may need invasive procedures for diagnosis. Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis. Here it is reported a girl with HAE, who presented initially as recurrent abdominal pain without cutaneous manifestations. Each episode was managed elsewhere as an acute surgical emergency and an exploratory laparotomy was planned. Diagnosis was confirmed by quantitative assay of C1 inhibitor. On detailed evaluation, many members of her family were affected.