A Case of Hereditary Angioneurotic Edema (HANE)

Abstract

We report a case of hereditary angioneurotic edema (HANE) which appeared in the tongue and larynx. The patient was a 56-year-old woman. Her chief complaint was dyspnea and swelling of the tongue. Since the patient did not respond well to medical treatments including steroids, tranexamic acid and antihistamine, a tracheostomy was performed to maintain her airway. Examination revealed reduction of the forth complement component (C4) and low activity of the inhibitor of the first complement component (C1 inhibitor). We subsequently iagnosed hereditary angioneurotic edema. It was reported that airway problems are common in cases of HANE. In fact a tracheostomy was required to maintain airway patency in our patient. It is difficult to diagnose HANE at the time of the first attack, however, careful examination of family history and previous medical records are potentially helpful. It is necessary to bear in mind that some angioneurotic patients require a tracheostomy to maintain airway patency especially in cases of HANE.