Initial characteristics and follow-up of patients with a confirmed
diagnosis of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors-induced angioedema
Abstract
Introduction: Differential diagnosis between angiotensin converting
enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) angioedema (AE) and idiopathic histaminergic AE
(ihAE) is often challenging. Follow-up data may help discriminate these
conditions but are scarcely reported. Our objective was to report on the
follow-up of patients with suspected ACEi-AE and to describe the
baseline characteristics of AE attacks in patients with a diagnosis
confirmed by follow-up. Methods: Sixty-four patients with suspected
ACEi-AE (i.e. with exposure to ACEi before first attack, no urticaria
associated and normal C1-inhibitor levels) and at least one follow-up
visit were included. Data were retrospectively collected at baseline and
during follow-up. Results: After follow-up, the diagnosis of ACEi-AE was
confirmed in only 30 patients. The remaining patients were reclassified
as ihAE (21 patients) or undetermined-mechanism AE (13 patients). In
ACEi-AE patients, attacks occurred mostly in men (61%) with a median
age of 64 (interquartile range 17) years old, with a highly variable
delay from ACEi introduction (23103 months), and preferential
involvement of lips (50%), tongue (47%) and throat (30%). Patients
with confirmed ACEi-AE frequently reported classical histaminergic
features, such as history of allergy and atopic conditions (20%),
attacks with preferential evening onset (25%) and spontaneous
resolution <24h (26%). ACEi-AE attacks responded to icatibant
(79%). Conclusion: A final diagnosis of ihAE is frequent in patients
with an initial suspicion of ACEi-AE; and follow-up should be
systematically performed to ascertain the diagnosis in this population.
Baseline clinical features seem insufficient to accurately discriminate
between ACEi-AE and histaminergic AE, highlighting an unmet need for
diagnostic biomarkers.