Diagnostic et traitement des oedèmes angioneurotiques héréditaires: Illustration clinique et brève revue de la littérature

Hereditary angio-oedema is an autosomal dominant transmitted disease that is characterized by swellings of the sub-cutaneous or mucosal tissues. The edematous manifestations develop over a few hours and disappear spontaneously in a few days. This disease, which is due to an excess of bradykinine, a peptide that induces vasodilatation and increases vascular permeability, is different from angio-oedema mediated by histamine (frequently accompanied by urticaria). This difference explains the inefficiency of anti-allergic therapies to treat the crises. This condition, although rare, is important to know because it is potentially lethal if the edema leads to laryngeal obstruction. After the report of a clinical example, this paper will consider the pathophysiology and the classification of angio-oedema without urticaria. New therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of hereditary angio-oedema will also be considered.