Angioedema as a Rare Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A Case of Acquired Angioedema Leading to the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

We describe a case of a young 32-year-old Indian female who presented with a solitary symptom of facial swelling for two months. The patient's blood test results showed hypocomplementemia and C1 INH deficiency and fell into the "third type" of acquired angioedema (AAE), leading to the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with SLE inactivity at the time of presentation, which makes this an interesting case due to the rarity of such findings in our clinical settings.

Angioedema in the Absence of C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency in a Young Patient With Anti-dsDNA Negative Lupus Nephritis

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant condition marked by a lack of functioning C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). In contrast, acquired angioedema (AAE) due to a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (AAE-C1-INH) may be the manifestation of an underlying lymphoproliferative, neoplastic, or autoimmune condition. Both are potentially fatal. The C1q protein is normal in HAE but low in AAE. A third mechanism has been reported to cause angioedema, especially in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. AAE, which happens in association with SLE, may respond well to steroids. Here we present a case of AAE in a young female with SLE that led to upper airway compromise, requiring endotracheal intubation. Early detection and treatment of such cases can lead to an outstanding prognosis by preventing airway compromise and anoxic brain injury. Even though it is a condition of either very young or middle-aged patients, practitioners must be aware of this uncommon disease linked with SLE in adolescents and young adults.