Hereditary Angioedema with Normal C1 Esterase Inhibitor Refractory to Long-Term Prophylaxis: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Jan 15;15(1):e33800. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33800. eCollection 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) was classically thought to be related to a deficiency in the C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). However, HAE with a normal C1 esterase inhibitor (HAE nC1-INH) is a rare disease that has been recently characterized. In this case, we describe a woman with a 21-year history of angioedema who, in the last two years, has experienced severe exacerbations that led to the formal diagnosis of HAE nC1-INH. The patient has been treated with current HAE long-term prophylaxis (LTP) and on-demand therapies but is still experiencing severe, frequent attacks. Our case describes the timeline of this patient's presentation and provides valuable insight into the presentation and management of HAE nC1-INH.

Keywords: allergy and immunology; angioedema; c1 esterase inhibitor; covid 19 vaccine; hae; hae type iii; hae with normal c1 inhibitor; hereditary angioedema; hereditary angioedema without normal c1 inhibitor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports