Isolated unilateral tongue oedema: the adverse effect of Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

Curr Drug Saf. 2012 Nov 1;7(5):382-3. doi: 10.2174/157488612805076561.

Abstract

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are widely used to treat benign hypertension. These drugs are generally well tolerated. Serious side effects such as angio-oedema are very rare. The authors report a 64-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of liver transplant on Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, who attended Emergency department with angio-oedema only on the left side of her tongue. Her airway was patent and she was haemodynamically stable. Trauma was denied. Her physician had 2 days earlier commenced her on Lisinopril for newly diagnosed benign hypertension. Intravenous steroids and anti-histamine were immediately administered. A good response of oedema subsidence was noted. In general, angio-oedema can present in a spectrum of severity. Precipitating factors are often difficult to pre-determine and avoid. Early recognition of risk factors for and diagnosis of angio-oedema can often be life-saving.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angioedema / chemically induced*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lisinopril / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tongue Diseases / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Lisinopril