Hereditary angioedema in a family.

Hereditary angioedema is an uncommon clinical condition. Life-long episodic brawny and non-itchy swelling of the extremities, face and trunk, with episodic abdominal pain and familial occurrence are the typical features. Oedema causing obstruction of airways may lead to suffocation and even death. The diagnosis can be confirmed by finding low levels of C1 esterase inhibitor, C4 and C2. Therapy with synthetic androgenic agents can ameliorate the condition to a large extent.