- Typically related to C1 inhibitor deficiency
- Though can also have with normal C1
- Sometimes family hx similar events
- Sometimes triggered by increased estrogen levels (e.g. birth control pills, pregnancy)
- Requires rx directed at compliment cascade & its products
- Often no trigger
- Abd pain from intestinal edema (can somtimes lead to laparotomy)
- Can start in one area of body and spread
- Symptoms last several days
- Resolves in hours to days
- Can be life threatening due to airway issues
- Swelling of face, tongue
- Respiratory distress
- Non-pitting edema of face/hands/legs/genitalia/other body parts