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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 4/2015

01-12-2015 | Case Report

Fatal laryngeal angioedema: a case report and a workup of angioedema in a forensic setting

Authors: Adriana Krizova, Taylor Gardner, D’Arcy L. Little, V. Arcieri-Piersanti, Michael S. Pollanen

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 4/2015

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Abstract

Angioedema is an episodic swelling of the deep dermis, subcutis, and/or submucosal tissue due to an increase in local vascular permeability. Swelling may involve skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts. The most commonly involved areas are the periorbital region and the lips. Here we report a case of a fatal laryngeal obstruction due to angioedema likely caused by an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor. The decedent, a 58-year-old man, was witnessed developing sudden facial swelling and acute respiratory difficulties quickly followed by unresponsiveness. His past medical history suggested that this was his second episode of angioedema without urticaria. Postmortem examination revealed a complete laryngeal obstruction in the absence of infection, neoplasm, or autoimmune disease. Postmortem computed tomography of the head and neck showed a complete obstruction of the upper airway. Based on the current understanding of the pathophysiology of different types of angioedema, we will suggest a workup of angioedema without urticaria in the forensic setting and offer readers resources they can use in their practice.
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Metadata
Title
Fatal laryngeal angioedema: a case report and a workup of angioedema in a forensic setting
Authors
Adriana Krizova
Taylor Gardner
D’Arcy L. Little
V. Arcieri-Piersanti
Michael S. Pollanen
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-015-9701-9

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