Non-Episodic Angioedema Associated with Eosinophilia after COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION

Non-episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia (NEAE) has been reported primarily in young East Asian women and is characterized by a single episode of persistent limb oedema, peripheral eosinophilia, and transient joint pain. Although there are reports of eosinophilia disease after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the occurrence of NEAE has not been previously reported.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 29-year-old Japanese woman, with a history of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, sought a medical consultation for persisting oedema of the extremities, which developed about 2 weeks after she contracted COVID-19. Physical examination revealed symmetrical non-pitting oedema with peripheral predominance. Laboratory examination revealed a blood eosinophil count of 7536/μl. The patient was diagnosed with NEAE and a 7-day course of prednisolone (15 mg/day) was initiated, with rapid improvement in the oedema and no recurrence on follow-up.

DISCUSSION

The exact aetiology of NEAE is unknown, but it may develop after infection or drug exposure. Eosinophilic disease after COVID-19 infection has been reported and, therefore, eosinophilic angioedema should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-pitting oedema of the extremities after a COVID-19 infection. Early diagnosis of NEAE is important as rapid improvement can be achieved with low-dose steroid treatment.

CONCLUSION

NEAE can develop after COVID-19 and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-pitting oedema of the extremities.

LEARNING POINTS

Non-episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia (NEAE) is characterized by a single episode of symmetrical non-pitting oedema with distal limb predominance.The case presented indicates that NEAE can occur after COVID-19 infection.Therefore, eosinophilic angioedema should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-pitting oedema of the extremities in a patient with a positive COVID-19 history.