Evaluation of ACE-inhibitor Induced Laryngeal Edema Using Fiberoptic Scope: A Case Report

This is a case report of a 55-year-old woman with a past medical history of hypertension who presented to the emergency department with upper lip and cheek swelling isolated to the right side of her face. She was on lisinopril for several years and had never had an episode of swelling in the past. Her vital signs were stable. However, on reassessment, the patient’s right sided swelling progressed to the entire upper lip and she complained of swelling in her submandibular space. Although no swelling was appreciated to the submandibular space on physical exam, and the patient still did not have any signs or symptoms of respiratory distress, the decision was made to use a fiberoptic laryngoscope to evaluate her airway. Fiberoptic laryngoscope showed noticeable laryngeal edema which did not improve after treatment, and the patient was admitted to the medical intensive care unit for close airway observation. This case highlights the use of fiberoptic laryngoscope by emergency physicians in the evaluation of patients with relatively benign appearing angioedema. TOPICS: ACE-I, angioedema, fiberoptic laryngoscope, laryngeal edema, tranexamic acid.