A patient presented at the age of 72 years with a life long history of at least 60 years of abdominal crises described by the patient as ‘bilious vomiting or migraine’. However, a careful clinical and family history suggested a diagnosis of hereditary angioneurotic oedema and this was confirmed by complement studies. Treatment with oral ethinyltestosterone (Danazol) was successful in abolishing her attacks, initially at a dose of 600 mg. per day and latterly at the low dose of200 mg per day.
AngelloV. Complement deficiency states. Medicine1978; 57:1–23.
2.
WhicherJTPerryDEHobbsJR. An evaluation of the hyland laser nephelometer P.D.Q. system for the measurement of immunoglobulins. Ann Clin Biochem1978;15:77–85 deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor.
3.
FrankMMGelfundJAAtkinsonJP. Hereditary angioedema: The clinical syndrome and its management. Ann Intern Med1976; 84:580–593.
4.
BalloghZWhaleyK. Hereditary angio-oedema: Its pathogenesis and management. Scott Med J1980; 25:187–195.
5.
BeckPWillsDDaviesGTLachmanPJSussmanM. A family study of hereditary angioneurotic oedema. Q J Med1973; 166:317–339.
6.
FellerEJSporoHMKatzLA. Hereditary angioneurotic oedema: An unusual cause of recurring abdominal pain. Gut1970; 11:983–988.
7.
SpauldingWB. Hereditary angioneurotic oedema in two families. Canad Med Ass J1955; 73:181–187.
8.
ThorvaldssonSESedlackREGoeichGJRuddySJ. Angioneurotic oedema and deficiency of Ci esterase inhibitor in a 61 year old woman. Ann Intern Med1969; 71:353–357.
9.
OslerW. Hereditary angioneurotic oedema. Am J Med Sci1885; 95:362–367.
10.
MacFarlaneJTDaviesD. Management of hereditary angio-oedema with low dose danazol. Br Med J1981; 282:1275.