Hypovolemic Shock Caused by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Visceral Angioedema: A Case Series and A Simple Method to Diagnose this Complication in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND

Visceral angioedema is a rarely reported side effect of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). Because signs and symptoms tend to be nonspecific, the diagnosis is difficult to make, especially in the emergency department (ED).

CASE REPORT

We describe 2 patients presenting with signs of hypovolemic shock, in which the diagnosis of ACEI-induced visceral angioedema was made in the ED. We surmise that patients with abdominal pain, who present with hypovolemic shock and are taking medications that can predispose to angioedema, may have this complication if their hemoglobin level is elevated compared with their previous levels. An abdominal computed tomography scan, if it does not identify any other significant etiology, will increase the probability that ACEI-induced visceral angioedema is the diagnosis when there is nonspecific bowel wall thickening or edema. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Identification of ACEI-induced visceral angioedema in the ED will avoid prolonged admissions, unnecessary procedures, and future recurrences.