Isolated angioedema: A review of classification and update on management

Objective: To review the various types of angioedema including diagnosis and treatment.

Data sources: PubMed search of articles in the English language of various types of angioedema.

Study selections: Articles on the subject matter were selected and reviewed.

Results: Herein, a case-based approach is presented for discussing the major types of angioedema, including the following: hereditary angioedema types I and II and normal complement, acquired angioedema, angiotensin-converting enzyme-induced angioedema, and histaminergic and nonhistaminergic angioedema. Emerging treatments of hereditary angioedema including targets of prekallikrein, DNA vector technology replacing C1-INH protein, and CRIPSR technology targeting prekallikrein among many others are explored. In addition, other causes and mimickers of angioedema are briefly reviewed. Finally, a novel algorithm is proposed to help guide the treating physician through the workup and management of patients with suspected idiopathic angioedema unresponsive to conventional therapy with antihistamines.

Conclusion: Over the years, many strides have been made in both understanding the pathophysiology of various types of angioedema and expansion of treatment options. It is important for clinicians to be aware of current and emerging treatment options. We provide a novel practical algorithm to guide clinicians in challenging cases of idiopathic angioedema refractory to antihistamines.