Hereditary angioedema: Complex symptoms can make diagnosis difficult

Hereditary angioedema is a rare disorder characterized by a deficiency in C1 esterase inhibitor. Symptoms can be transient, subtle, and varied in severity, making diagnosis difficult. In the case described here, symptoms had been present 10 years before the correct diagnosis was made. Drs Borum and Howard discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this potentially life- threatening illness