Emergency Medicine

Answer 1  Quinapril. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a common cause of angioedema, particularly in African-American patients. Twenty percent to 58% of ED visits for angioedema are due to ACE inhibitor use. Angioedema occurs in approximately 0.1% to 0.2% of patients treated with ACE inhibitors.1 Although one half of cases occur within 1 week of initiation of ACE inhibitor therapy, angioedema may occur up to several years later. Aspirin is associated with angioedema but is a less common cause as compared with ACE inhibitors. Between 17% and 33% of angioedema cases are caused by allergen exposure. Other common triggers include foods, contrast dyes, inhalants, environmental allergens, drugs, and insect stings. Glipizide, metformin, and weight loss supplements containing green tea are not frequently associated with angioedema. REFERENCES 1. Thompson T, Frable MA. Drug-induced, life-threatening angioedema revised. Laryngoscope 1993;103(1 Pt 1): 10-2. Click here to return to the questions

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