Traumatic Angioedema as a Complication of a Hyponatremic-Induced Seizure

Angioedema is a known side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I). However, trauma precipitating angioedema is a rare event. We detail a case of trauma-induced angioedema in a patient taking an ACE-I. Specifically, a patient presented to the emergency department (ED) having suffered a seizure from symptomatic hyponatremia; later, the patient precipitously developed angioedema requiring nasotracheal intubation. Herein, the mechanisms and treatments for angioedema are discussed. Acute angioedema is important to the emergency medicine physician because quick recognition, regardless of its precipitant can stave off untoward complications, possible respiratory failure and airway emergencies.