Table 1 Clinical features differentiating mast cell-mediated and bradykinin-mediated angioedema [5, 6]
From: Angioedema
Characteristics | Mast cell-mediated angioedema | Bradykinin-mediated angioedema |
|---|---|---|
Speed of onset | Minutes to hours | 24–36 h |
Attack duration (without treatment) | Several hours | 3–5 days |
Predominant attack location | Common locations include the face (eyelids, lips) and extremities | Extremities, face, upper airways, genitourinary tract, GI tract/bowel wall |
Urticaria/pruritus | Common | Rare |
Triggers | Allergies (e.g., insect stings), stress, medications (e.g., NSAIDS/ASA), often spontaneous | Trauma, infections, stress, hormonal changes (e.g., estrogen, pregnancy), medications (i.e., ACE-i), can also be spontaneous |
Response to antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine | Yes | No |