Acute Angioedema in a Patient on Long-term Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Following Oral Surgery: A Case Report

Abstract

A relatively common side effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), used for the treatment of high blood pressure, is angioedema. Whereas, angioedema due to ACE-I usually appear during the first few days or weeks of treatment, delayed onset, years after initiation of treatment is often unrecognized and can lead to life-threatening adverse events. We present a case report of rapidly progressive tongue swelling a few hours following oral surgery in a 62-year-old male who had been on ACE-I therapy for seven years. Prompt recognition and treatment prevented an impending respiratory compromise that could have been catastrophic.